KATE

"What Do You Want To Do When You Grow Up?"

Instructional Illuminations

paducah.kyschool.us

Children are asked this question from the time they are old enough to answer-- "I want to be a fireman, teacher or doctor". Students at Paducah Middle School are well on their way to making informed decisions on this and other life choices with the guidance of teachers Tracy Davidson and Kym Mizell. They are using the Kentucky Department of Education program called "Career Cruising". Both teachers and students agree they are enjoying the program and its benefits.

Career Cruising is a complete technology guidance system that leads each student through the process of recording and reflecting on personal short and long-term goals. Students investigate Kentucky's fourteen Career Clusters, create a post-high school education plan and develop a career plan. This individualized learning plan (ILP) is a "road map" for the student to follow during middle and high school.

Activities, experiences, awards, community service, work experience, along with a well-planned four-year educational curriculum are recorded and can be modified as necessary. Students can add assessment results. Plans are also underway to provide for Commonwealth Assessment Testing System (CATS) proficiency tests and standardized tests such as the ACT Plan, ACT Explore, ACT, SAT and PSAT scores.

Career Cruising includes a career interest inventory that provides 40 career suggestions based on the student's answers to the inventory. Another feature is the capability of bookmarking specific careers of interest as well as colleges that offer the education and training necessary to attain their career goals.

Students begin their journey in the sixth grade with:
                • a student survey
                • career matchmaker activities and 
                • careers and schools that interest me

Seventh and eighth grade students continue with an annual ILP review, annual student survey, and by writing goals and plans, logging activities, experiences and awards.

By the first day of high school, these students should have a clear idea of the career goals they want to pursue so the question "What do you want to do?" is one they are ready, willing and able to answer with confidence thanks to Career Cruising!

For additional information contact: Karen Glass at Karen.glass@paducah.kyschools.us  

Related Links

• Career Cruising