OCT Future Explorations


What is FUTURE EXPLORATIONS?

PURPOSEFUL DESIGN

Future Explorations is a purposeful design to include career information and experiences into our curriculum and school lessons so that students are able to explore interests of possible career pathways. Often times a person's career pathways begin with interests in childhood. We want to be intentional about introducing our students to the many options available.

Why do we have FUTURE EXPLORATIONS?

GLIMPSE INTO POSSIBLE FUTURE PATHS

We want to see our vision and mission to fruition. One way we prepare children for their future is to have them take a small glimpse into different career possibilities. We want to instill curiosity and confidence at an early age. By the time a Texas student is in 8th grade, they must select a high school diploma endorsement. Many students are not familiar with the different career pathways and options. Therefore, at OCT in the 2020-2021 school year, teachers will design experiences that integrate career pathways into the content.

How is FUTURE EXPLORATIONS implemented?

Learning Commons:

  • Hands-on supplemental lessons

  • Forum for guest speakers provided

  • Volunteers assist with creating experiences/speakers

  • Specific area designated for Future Explorations with multiple resources

  • Grade levels enlisted to assist in planning experiences & preparing lessons


Classroom:

  • Teach a 30-60 minute lesson on the Pathway of the Month

  • Grade levels have the freedom to think outside the box when it comes to embedding the career pathways into the curriculum


Tiger Time News Morning Announcements:

  • Weekly segment on monthly career focus

  • Brief recorded video message from someone in a related career field

  • Brief recorded video message from a CTE student at GHS

  • Students research-related careers and briefly share findings


Guidance:

  • Imbed in monthly guidance lessons

  • Highlight in culmination school-wide OCT Career Day

When is FUTURE EXPLORATIONS?

How is FUTURE EXPLORATIONS related to GCISD strategic plans?

GCISD Lead 2021:

LEAD stands for Leading Excellence – Action Driven. It is a bold plan that impacts every aspect of GCISD. LEAD 2021 is interwoven through all decision-making and planning at GCISD. Two key components of the plan include:

  • Relevant and resourceful technology to expand student resources

  • College and career readiness for all students

GCISD LEAD 2.0

  • Actively identify and remove barriers that limit access to and opportunity for learning

  • Design learning environments that support social-emotional learning

  • Create a culture that fosters learning environments that reflect student voice and promote student engagement

  • Effectively communicate with target audiences

Exploration - Just for Fun!