Preparation for almost all careers requires specific academic and technical knowledge and skills. Requirements for well-paying careers continue to increase making education and training beyond high school a necessity. To personalize the learning for students and make their secondary school experience more meaningful, various high schools and posthigh school options are available for students to attain the necessary preparation to become employable (Michigan Center for Career and Technical Education).
The Career Preparation System is designed to provide all students completing the Michigan education system with the necessary academic, technical, and work behavior knowledge and skills for success in a career of their choice and lifelong learning. The Career Preparation System is a continuum from elementary to post-secondary education (K-16). Students may opt for Career and Technical Education and Tech Prep programs to accelerate exposure to career-specific knowledge and skills leading to employment and/or continuing education upon completion of high school.
Washtenaw ISD actively supports Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Career Preparation and Educational Development Plan (EDP) programs.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is part of the Career Preparation System. CTE programs may be located in local high schools, area career/technical centers, postsecondary institutions, trade academies, and business/industry work sites. Tech Prep programs are designed to provide technical preparation in a career field (Michigan Center for Career and Technical Education).
The Career Preparation System is designed to give all students a jump-start on their futures by providing them with opportunities to explore a variety of career options throughout their K-12 education experience. Educational Development Plans (EDPs) personalize the learning experience by aligning career interest and course selection and engaging parents in the process. Educational Development Plans (EDPs) personalize the learning experience by aligning career interest and course selection and engaging parents in the process.
An EDP documents an ongoing process in which students identify both career goals and a plan of action to achieve them. The purpose of the EDP is to provide students with a periodically updated and ongoing record of career planning that will guide them along a career pathway. At the secondary level, each student develops an EDP, stating an initial career goal and desired work and educational experiences. Students, parents, counselors, and teachers verify that EDPs reflect an individual career decision-making process based on career exploration, career assessment information, school performance, and expressed interests. School counselors also facilitate selection and enrollment into courses and into specialized education and training related to the career pathway of choice indicated in the EDP. In high school students review and revise their EDPs at least annually to reflect changes in career decisions, for use in selecting courses, and in choosing post-secondary options. (CareerPrep.org)
In spite of the loss of all funding for career preparation and EDPs, the Washtenaw ISD continues its support of personalizing learning for secondary students through EDP implementation. WISD continues to cover the cost of EDP software from Third Coast and to provide support for local EDP implementation through WISD staff and an experienced consultant.
- Michigan Career Portal
http://www.michigan.gov/careers - Michigan Career Development
http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd - Michigan Center for Career and Technical Education
http://www.mccte.educ.msu.edu/ - Michigan Occupational Information System
http://www.mois.org - SE Michigan Career Preparation Information
http://www.careerprep.org/what.htm - US Department of Education Career Voyages
http://www.careervoyages.gov - Career Cruising
http://www.careercruising.com/home/default.asp - My Dream Explorer
https://www.mydreamexplorer.org/mdx/login/login.aspx