COURSE OUTLINE

I.  INTRODUCTION

A.  Explain classroom rules/expectations

B.  Identify the course objectives

C.  List the supplies needed

D.  Complete information forms

E.  Review and test of the student handbook

II.  STUDY SKILLS

A.  Note-taking (Cornell Method)

B.  Syllabus/Assignment Sheet/Calendar

C.  Test-taking Strategies

D.  Time Management

E.  Stress Management

F.  Goal Setting

H.  Organizational Skills

I.  Inventories---study skills and learning styles

III.  PERSONALITY PROFILES

A.  Self-Exploration Exercises

    1)  Colors

    2)  Left-Brain, Right-Brain

    3)  Learning Styles

    4)  Self and Career Discovery Questions

B.  Values Clarification

C.  Decision-making and problem-solving techniques

D.  Productive work habits and attitudes

IV.  INTEREST AND APTITUDE TESTS

A.  Computer Assessments

    1)  Career Aptitude Survey (Choices)

   2)  Interest Assessment (Choices)

    3)  Skills Assessment (Choices)

    4)  Work Locator  (Choices)

V. ESTABLISHING A CAREER PATHWAY

A.  "Choices" software---computer

B.  Career Research Packet

C.  Resource Books

D.  Guest Speakers

E.  Career Videos

F.  Shadowing/Mentors

G.  Timelines for societal/economic trends in the labor market

H.  Four-Year High School Diploma Plan and Tentative Career Choice

VI.  EMPLOYMENT SKILLS

A.  Job Hunting

B.  Resume/.Fact Sheet/Cover Letters

C.  Job Applications/Interviews

D.  Budgeting

E.  Business Etiquette/Manners

F.  Entrepreneurship Projects

G.  Newspaper Projects

VII.  POSTSECONDARY CAREER TRAINING

A.  College Research Packet

    1)  Colleges, Universities (4-year)

    2)  Community Colleges (2-year)

    3)  Technical Schools (trade schools)

    4)  Military Training

    5)  Apprenticeships

B.  Financial Aid

    1)  Scholarships (local and national)

    2)  Loans and grants

    3)  Work-study programs

    4)  FAFSA

C.  Testing

    1)  ACT/SAT applications

    2)  THEA

    3)  TAKS

    4)  Senior Information/Community Service

GRADING: Daily Work---25%; Choices Portfolio---35%; Tests and Projects---40%