TALking POinTs
Talking to
Parents
about
Key points for counselors to make when
AchieveTexas
explaining AchieveTexas to parents.
T
exas parents want what’s best for 4. Providing direction 7. flexibility
their children. Most parents will have With AchieveTexas, students choose a The TAP is reviewed at least once a year,
questions about the new initiative. career interest area, called a career cluster, and can be revised at any time. It is only
Counselors can gain their support by and then a program of study within that through career exploration that students
incorporating these “Talking Points for cluster. Students will graduate from high can begin to understand what fields might
Parents” in information sessions, one-on- school with a clear idea of what they want be right—or wrong—for them.
one conversations, and small to pursue, what careers are associated
group discussions. with their interests, and what additional 8. Parents Play a key role
education and experience are required to Through AchieveTexas, parents and
1. Connecting Classroom enter their chosen career field. students partner with counselors and
To Careers teachers to help each student plan for
Students need to cultivate the skills 5. Taking responsibility success. Parents are encouraged to learn
necessary for success in school, career, and AchieveTexas empowers students to more about career clusters by reading the
life. AchieveTexas connects what students take greater responsibility for their 16 AchieveTexas in Action cluster guides
learn in school to what they plan to do in own education and career planning. In available at www.AchieveTexas.org or from
the future. This helps motivate students to partnership with counselors, teachers, the school counselor. Parents can also
succeed, and helps ensure that they have the and parents, students create a Texas visit the classroom to share information
academic foundation necessary to build the Achievement Plan (TAP). This document about their own careers, initiate career
future of their dreams. maps out the courses, extracurricular discussions with family and friends who
activities, and curricular learning activities work in a field of interest to their children,
2. Every student Benefits they will take each year. It includes the and provide input when students create
AchieveTexas works for every student. student’s postsecondary education goals. their TAPs.
Whether a child plans to go to college, a
university, the military, or employment 6. Meeting state standards
right after high school, AchieveTexas The TAP will ensure that Texas students
will provide the rigorous and relevant meet the state’s Recommended High School
preparation needed to succeed. Graduation Plan, which meets the course
requirements for college admission at any
3. Tailored to fit Each student Texas community college or university.
Each student is an individual, so it only With the TAP, high-achieving
makes sense that he or she should have an students will be able to complete
education plan tailored to his or her specific the requirements of the state’s
interests and goals. AchieveTexas is all Distinguished Achievement
about options. Texas students will be able Graduation Program,
to design a personalized program that will which includes advanced
ensure he or she has the preparation, skills, academic, Advanced
and experience needed to achieve personal Placement, and dual
education and career goals. credit courses.
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