Overview of the Curriculum

Middle Level Career Guidance is a 120 hour course provided to students over a four year period (grades 6-9) in fulfilment of the 50 minutes per week/per grade level requirement of Core Curriculum for guidance instruction. At each grade level, the curriculum provides for 30 hours of classroom instruction.

To achieve the goals of the curriculum, foundational objectives have been developed which encompass broad areas of career development. In these areas students attain competencies (specific knowledge, skills, and abilities) needed to prepare for a satisfying and productive career. The objectives are consistent with the developmental capabilities of students in the middle years.

The curriculum is activity based. For each of the four grade levels, detailed activities have been developed for use by classroom teachers. The activities are organized into four modules, each module reflecting one of the curriculum goals. Each module builds on the previous module creating a systematic, comprehensive Middle Level Career Guidance Program that takes into consideration the developmental levels of the students. (See the Course Overview on the following page for the time allotment to each module at the various grade levels.)

The outline of each activity has been standardized to simplify the work for the classroom teacher. Each activity has the foundational objective(s) and learning objective(s) identified. Materials required for the activity are listed, followed by an estimate of the time required to complete the session. Whenever necessary, background information for the teacher is included.

Following each activity, suggestions have been made for C.E.L.s inclusion, teaching strategies, a summary of what should be evaluated, and resources. Each activity is self sufficient; needed handouts and overhead masters are included.

In the appendices, a glossary of terms, samples of evaluation forms, supplemental activities for the cognitively challenged, and a list of teacher resources are provided to support the activities. Teachers are encouraged to use additional resources to supplement the activities and to develop new activities related to the goals and objectives of the curriculum. (See Appendix A - Curriculum At A Glance which shows the integration of classroom activities with curriculum goals.)

Course Overview

MODULES	Grade 6 Hours	Grade 7 Hours	Grade 8 Hours	Grade 9 Hours
Self-Awareness	10	7	5	4
Life Career Management Skills	5	6	7	8
Educational Planning	5	5	6	6
Career Awareness, Exploration, and Planning	10	12	12	12
TOTAL HOURS	30	30	30	30