Middle grades career planning programs

Students in middle grades are making decisions that greatly affect their fu ture educational and career paths. Many times students do not have the nece ssary information or assistance to help them make decisions that would enge nder success in their educational and career paths. For students to be able to think about their career plans with any depth, they must have a foundat ion of career awareness and career exploration experiences. These experienc es can help students: realize what is required of them when interested in a certain career or carter cluster and help them form realistic career plans . Implementation of a six-year plan of study, curriculum infusion, and job shadowing are just a few of the critical elements that need to take place i n the career exploration phase. These elements, along with others found in a comprehensive career guidance program, can help assure students are cogni zant of the many educational and career opportunities available to them and how to capitalize on those opportunities.