4
sTEP fOur: More slots will automatically be filled with
hELP sTudEnTs foreign language classes—a minimum of two
idEnTify A CArEEr gOAL. classes for all students, and at least three to
Communicate to students that meet the Distinguished Achievement Program
working toward a tangible result requirements. The other State requirements—
makes school more relevant. Fine Arts, Communication Applications,
No one is asking—or expecting—students Technology Applications, and Health/PE (or
to commit to specific careers in high school. equivalent) will fill in most of the remaining
The idea is to get students thinking and course selections.
CREATING Career
planning, so that high school becomes more The options for elective courses depend
PoRTfolIoS
relevant to their future. on the student’s career goals and personal
Setting a career goal is also a great way interests. This is where students can begin to
to launch a realistic discussion about what get the education needed to prepare for the
S
tudent career portfolios certainly
come in handy when counselors
educational preparation, work experience, career of their choice.
are asked to write college, scholarship,
talents, and commitment are required for Although the idea is to focus academics
or job recommendations. A portfolio
specific professions. and electives within a cluster and program
documents a student’s achievements
of study whenever possible, AchieveTexas
and can include transcripts and grades;
5
sTEP fivE: does not force students to abandon other
graded writing samples; award certificates;
hELP sTudEnTs idEnTify pursuits and passions. Varsity sports, band,
recommendation letters; and even
A POsTsECOndAry gOAL. choir, art, and other electives are still options
multimedia examples of a student’s artistic,
reinforce the value of lifelong for every student.
athletic, communication, or technical talents.
learning by planning for education
Many texas schools have students
and training after high school.
For students, postsecondary goals represent
the payoff for all their hard work in high 7
sTEP sEvEn:
create online career portfolios as part of a
EnCOurAgE ExTEndEd
technology class. At other schools, portfolio
LEArning ACTiviTiEs.
building is one of the services offered at the
school. Students who state a goal—whether it show students how out-of-class
career center. Although counselors aren’t
is attending a four-year university or two- experiences enhance and expand
responsible for helping students create
year college, joining the military, entering an curriculum.
portfolios, they are encouraged to emphasize
apprenticeship, or starting employment—are The TAP includes space for students to
to both students and parents the benefits of
motivated to do their best. choose extended learning activities they plan
documenting student achievements.
The idea of AchieveTexas is that every to participate in during high school.
keep sample portfolios in your office
student will graduate prepared for For example, students should list the
to show students, and work with your
college and career. While starting college career and technical student organizations
administration and faculty to develop a
immediately after high school may not (CTSOs) related to their clusters. Explain to
process for helping each student build a
be the right choice for everyone, it students how extended learning activities—
career portfolio.
should be an option available to every including clubs, community service projects,
high school graduate. and paid and unpaid career learning
experiences—can help them prepare for
6
sTEP six: their career goals.
hELP sTudEnTs dEsign
A COursE sChEduLE.
Explain that rigorous academic
and relevant career classes ensure
students can achieve their goals.
Ideally, every student’s schedule will
accommodate a rigorous and relevant
combination of academic and elective courses.
The first courses to select are the 16 core
classes for grades 9–12. Under the State’s 4x4
requirement, math, science, English, and
social studies courses must be taken each year.
Page 5
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20