Thundering Toward Excellence in Career Exploration at the Middle School Level: Inspiring the Next Generation

• In Event: 25.047 - Pipeline to the Global Workforce: Investing in Career and Technical Education for the Next Generation

Abstract

Purpose and Objectives

A 2017 report by the Association for Career and technical Education (ACTE), suggests that middle school level is an ideal stage to introduce students to career exploration. We define career exploration as “programs and activities designed to promote career maturity” (Gray, 2009, p. 8). Gray (2009) stated that “for this generation, career maturity is as important as academic maturity. Both predict post-high school success” (p. 11).

We chose to examine the theoretical and empirical support for career exploration at the middle school level. Specifically, this paper sought to:
1. Explore the value of career exploration at the middle school level.
2. Identify barriers to parent involvement in middle school career exploration.
3. Discuss barriers to career advising at the middle school level.


Theoretical Model

This conceptual/theoretical paper was guided by the CareerStart Theory of Change Model. Deas (2013) commented that “CareerStart is a program for infusing career relevance into the core curricula in middle schools” (para. 2). Several researchers (Orthner, Akos, Rose, Jones-Sanpei, Mercado, & Woolley, 2010; Orthner, Jones-Sanpei, Akos, & Rose, 2013; Wolley, Rose, Orthner, Akos, & Jones-Sanpei, 2013) have suggested that middle school students who received career exploration awareness, were more likely to:
1. Demonstrate a high level of classroom engagement;
2. Have fewer behavioral problems;
3. Have high test scores;
4. Maintain academic progress; and
5. Achieve more credits toward graduation.

Significance

In 2015, Congress passed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (P.L. 114-95), which governs United States K-12 public education policy. Key provisions of the ESSA include:
- Expands career guidance programs
- Encourages school districts to offer college and career guidance programs
- Promotes career awareness and exploration activities
- Supports training for counselors on using labor market information to advise students on postsecondary and career goals
- Allows for indicators of career readiness in state accountability systems
Therefore, closer attention to career exploration in the middle grades is essential for today’s students. Furthermore, Carnevale (2018) stated in a Washington Post editorial that “because education and careers are inextricably bound, we need to take an ‘all-one-system’ perspective that connects the education and career dots from middle school through college and early careers” (para. 4).

Authors

• Howard R. Gordon, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Samantha Godbey, University of Nevada - Las Vegas