Rationale

Young people today are facing a complex and rapidly changing society. They must be prepared early to be resourceful, adaptable and flexible amidst change and ambiguity. It is in this context of constant change that adolescents must make decisions in regard to their life careers.

Career development is a life-long process. Many factors within the individual, the home, the school, and the community combine to shape a young person's life. In order to help guide young people in their career paths, career education should be a central theme in all schools. The Middle Level Career Guidance Curriculum is a major component in the development of this theme.

Career planning is not instinctive. It requires instruction to foster and support the exploration of various educational and occupational interests and to encourage in the student the expression of his/her developing self. The Middle Level Career Guidance Curriculum is not intended to force students to make premature choices, rather it aims at helping students to expand their occupational awareness and to relate their educational choices and achievements to future requirements of school and the world of work. It prepares students for their transition into high school and helps them develop an educational plan to ensure their academic growth and continuing career development.

The Middle Level Career Guidance Curriculum is based on the belief that all students have the right to effective career guidance instruction. The main purpose of the Middle Level Career Guidance Program is to empower all students to reach their fullest potential.

The Middle Level Career Guidance Curriculum is based on the premise that the life career development of young people should be a process of planned intervention whereby educators, parents, government agencies, and community members work together to provide students with hope for the future and to empower them to believe in themselves.

Cooperative efforts of the school, home and community are needed to help young people successfully make the transition from school to the world of work.

Young people need help to keep their eyes open for opportunities that will allow them to fulfil their values, beliefs, and interests and to reach their fullest potential. Saskatchewan Education, Training and Employment has developed the Middle Level Career Guidance Curriculum to address the specific life career development needs of students at this educational level.