Career Awareness - Measurable Postsecondary Goal: Student will be employed utilizing their skills, preferences, interests, while addressing their needs (This goal is only appropriate for a student who will not be 16 years old during this IEP date). Based on where a student is, these activities will help the student build awareness of personal strengths, preferences, interests, and needs (SPIN) and understand the broad world of work.
Career Awareness - Measurable Postsecondary Goal: Student will be employed utilizing their skills, preferences, interests, while addressing their needs (This goal is only appropriate for a student who will not be 16 years old during this IEP date). Based on where a student is, these activities will help the student build awareness of personal strengths, preferences, interests, and needs (SPIN) and understand the broad world of work.
Suggested Websites for Career Awareness:
Pathful (via Clever) – career cluster videos & interest inventories
O*NET Interest Profiler – basic version
My Next Move – career overview & interest match
CareerOneStop – videos on hundreds of careers
Virginia Career Works – career cluster and pathway information
Step 1 – Understand What “Career” Means
Step 1 – Understand What “Career” Means
Description: Learn what the word “career” means and how it differs from a “job.”
Category: Instruction
Teacher Tip: Use visuals, simple definitions, and examples of common careers in the community.
Local Connections: Can be introduced in Success 101.
Student Outcome: Student will explain the difference between a job and a career.
Step 2 – Review Current Academic & IEP Information
Step 2 – Review Current Academic & IEP Information
Description: Review present level of performance, grades, and accommodations to understand starting point.
Category: Functional Assessment
Teacher Tip: Walk students through their IEP and grades so they see strengths and areas for growth.
Local Connections: Link to Success 101 personal goal-setting activities.
Student Outcome: Student will identify one academic strength and one area to improve.
Step 3 – Identify SPIN (Skills, Preferences, Interests, Needs)
Step 3 – Identify SPIN (Skills, Preferences, Interests, Needs)
Description: Use surveys, interviews, and informal assessments to uncover personal career indicators.
Category: Instruction / Functional Assessment
Teacher Tip: Administer Conover MECA career interest inventory and/or other assessments in Clever.
Local Connections: Conover MECA via school Clever account, Pre-ETS job exploration counseling.
Student Outcome: Student will list at least one skill, preference, interest, and need related to careers.
Step 4 – Explore Career Clusters
Step 4 – Explore Career Clusters
Description: Learn about the 16 national career clusters and examples of jobs in each.
Category: Instruction
Teacher Tip: Use O*NET, My Next Move, and career cluster posters; discuss which clusters match SPIN.
Local Connections: Success 101 career exploration unit.
Student Outcome: Student will identify three career clusters of interest.
Step 5 – Experience Careers Virtually
Step 5 – Experience Careers Virtually
Description: Watch videos or participate in online simulations of various jobs.
Category: Instruction / Career Exploration
Teacher Tip: Use Pathful virtual job shadowing and CareerOneStop’s “day in the life” videos.
Local Connections: Pre-ETS job exploration, Pathful via school account.
Student Outcome: Student will name two new careers they learned about from a video.
Step 6 – Attend Local Career Awareness Events
Step 6 – Attend Local Career Awareness Events
Description: Participate in hands-on career events to interact with employers and try job tasks.
Category: Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Take students to My Future, My Journey event and encourage active participation.
Local Connections: My Future, My Journey career fair (9th grade), Commit to Graduation event.
Student Outcome: Student will describe one new skill or job they experienced.
Step 7 – Explore Local Career Pathways
Step 7 – Explore Local Career Pathways
Description: Learn about specific pathways available in the Academies of Hampton.
Category: Instruction
Teacher Tip: Use Academies of Hampton materials to explain each academy and related careers.
Local Connections: Academy promotional materials, 9th grade selection process.
Student Outcome: Student will identify one academy they might be interested in joining.
Step 8 – Understand Academy Selection Logistics
Step 8 – Understand Academy Selection Logistics
Description: Learn how choosing an academy outside the home school affects transportation and schedule.
Category: Instruction
Teacher Tip: Review academy shuttle process and time commitment.
Local Connections: Academy shuttle transportation info session.
Student Outcome: Student will explain how transportation may be impacted by academy choice.
Step 9 – Participate in Project-Based Learning
Step 9 – Participate in Project-Based Learning
Description: Engage in a project related to self-discovery and career awareness.
Category: Instruction / Career Exploration
Teacher Tip: Connect PBL to student SPIN results and potential pathways.
Local Connections: 9th grade PBL (“Who you are, what you want, and how to get there”).
Student Outcome: Student will present findings about their strengths and career ideas.
Step 10 – Create a Career Awareness Portfolio
Step 10 – Create a Career Awareness Portfolio
Description: Organize SPIN results, career cluster interests, and event reflections into a portfolio.
Category: Instruction / Functional Assessment
Teacher Tip: Provide digital or paper portfolio template; encourage saving work samples and reflections.
Local Connections: Success 101 portfolio requirement; Pre-ETS portfolio development.
Student Outcome: Student will complete a portfolio with at least two career clusters and three career ideas.
Career Exploration
Career Exploration
Step 1 – Review Career Awareness Portfolio
Step 1 – Review Career Awareness Portfolio
Description: Review SPIN results, career clusters, and interests identified during career awareness activities.
Category: Functional Assessment
Teacher Tip: Use the Career Awareness portfolio to guide exploration into specific jobs.
Local Connections: Success 101 portfolios; Pre-ETS counseling review.
Student Outcome: Student will select one career cluster or pathway to explore further.
Step 2 – Research Jobs in Chosen Pathways
Step 2 – Research Jobs in Chosen Pathways
Description: Learn about job titles, duties, work environments, salary, and outlook.
Category: Instruction
Teacher Tip: Use O*NET, My Next Move, and Virginia Career View to explore career details.
Local Connections: Conover MECA occupation profiles; Academy career pathway sheets.
Student Outcome: Student will complete a chart describing three jobs in their pathway.
Step 3 – Use Career Matching Tools
Step 3 – Use Career Matching Tools
Description: Match SPIN results to job options using triangulation websites.
Category: Instruction / Functional Assessment
Teacher Tip: Guide students in O*NET’s “Find Occupations” and My Next Move’s interest profiler; compare results with Conover MECA.
Local Connections: Pre-ETS job exploration counseling; Conover MECA match results.
Student Outcome: Student will identify at least two jobs that match their SPIN profile.
Step 4 – Explore Education/Training Requirements
Step 4 – Explore Education/Training Requirements
Description: Research what schooling, certifications, or training is needed for jobs of interest.
Category: Instruction
Teacher Tip: Use Virginia Education Wizard and O*NET’s “Job Zone” info; connect to Academy courses that align.
Local Connections: Academies of Hampton course guides.
Student Outcome: Student will list required education/training for two jobs of interest.
Step 5 – Participate in Virtual Job Shadowing
Step 5 – Participate in Virtual Job Shadowing
Description: Watch videos or online tours of real people in chosen careers.
Category: Instruction / Career Exploration
Teacher Tip: Use Pathful, CareerOneStop, or YouTube “day in the life” videos.
Local Connections: Pathful via Clever; Pre-ETS job exploration activities.
Student Outcome: Student will describe two things they learned from a virtual job shadow.
Step 6 – Visit Local Businesses
Step 6 – Visit Local Businesses
Description: Tour workplaces related to chosen pathways to see jobs in action.
Category: Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Arrange site visits through Academy business partners or Pre-ETS WBLEs.
Local Connections: 10th grade Academy business visits; Pre-ETS work-based learning; PAES Lab prep prior to visit.
Student Outcome: Student will name one new career they learned about from a visit.
Step 7 – Conduct Informational Interviews
Step 7 – Conduct Informational Interviews
Description: Talk with professionals about their career path, job duties, and advice.
Category: Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Teach students how to prepare questions; connect with local professionals or alumni.
Local Connections: Pre-ETS job exploration counseling; Academy guest speaker series.
Student Outcome: Student will record three pieces of advice from a professional.
Step 8 – Participate in Hands-On Career Simulations
Step 8 – Participate in Hands-On Career Simulations
Description: Try job tasks in a controlled setting to test skills and interest.
Category: Instruction / Career Exploration
Teacher Tip: Use PAES Lab for skill trials before community placements.
Local Connections: PAES Lab at each high school.
Student Outcome: Student will complete at least one simulated task in a job area of interest.
Step 9 – Compare & Evaluate Career Options
Step 9 – Compare & Evaluate Career Options
Description: Evaluate pros/cons of different careers, including pay, lifestyle, and growth potential.
Category: Instruction
Teacher Tip: Provide a decision-making chart; include accessibility/accommodation considerations.
Local Connections: Pre-ETS self-advocacy and career counseling sessions.
Student Outcome: Student will rank three jobs from most to least preferred and explain why.
Step 10 – Update Career Portfolio
Step 10 – Update Career Portfolio
Description: Add research, reflections, and decisions to career portfolio.
Category: Instruction / Functional Assessment
Teacher Tip: Encourage digital organization for easy updates; include Academy pathway connections.
Local Connections: Success 101/Academy advisory activities; Pre-ETS portfolio updates.
Student Outcome: Student will update their portfolio with at least two researched careers and pathways.
Job Readiness
Job Readiness
Step 1 – Identify Skills for the Workplace
Step 1 – Identify Skills for the Workplace
Description: Learn the 22 CTE Work Readiness Skills and understand why each is important to employers.
Category: Instruction
Teacher Tip: Use examples from multiple career fields; connect each skill to real workplace situations.
Local Connections: Success 101 soft skills unit; Pre-ETS job readiness training.
Student Outcome: Student will describe two work readiness skills and why they are important.
Step 2 – Assess Current Work Readiness Skills
Step 2 – Assess Current Work Readiness Skills
Description: Take self-assessments to see strengths and areas to improve.
Category: Functional Assessment
Teacher Tip: Use Conover Work Readiness module or CTE skill rubrics.
Local Connections: Conover MECA work readiness assessment; PAES Lab performance feedback.
Student Outcome: Student will identify one work readiness strength and one area to improve.
Step 3 – Practice Communication Skills
Step 3 – Practice Communication Skills
Description: Learn how to greet, speak, listen, and use appropriate tone with co-workers and supervisors.
Category: Instruction / Employment Skills
Teacher Tip: Role-play workplace conversations, including phone and email etiquette.
Local Connections: Pre-ETS work readiness; PAES Lab role-play stations.
Student Outcome: Student will demonstrate a professional greeting and introduction.
Step 4 – Practice Teamwork & Collaboration
Step 4 – Practice Teamwork & Collaboration
Description: Participate in group activities to solve problems and meet goals together.
Category: Instruction / Employment Skills
Teacher Tip: Use collaborative PBL activities; assign rotating leadership roles.
Local Connections: Academy PBL projects; Pre-ETS teamwork modules.
Student Outcome: Student will give an example of how they contributed to a team.
Step 5 – Build Time Management Skills
Step 5 – Build Time Management Skills
Description: Learn how to track work schedules, meet deadlines, and be punctual.
Category: Instruction / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Practice using planners, alarms, and checklists for mock work shifts.
Local Connections: PAES Lab time-on-task tracking; Pre-ETS job readiness.
Student Outcome: Student will arrive to class or activity on time for one week.
Step 6 – Develop Problem-Solving Skills
Step 6 – Develop Problem-Solving Skills
Description: Learn how to identify a workplace problem and create a solution.
Category: Instruction / Employment Skills
Teacher Tip: Use real-world scenarios and “What would you do?” discussions.
Local Connections: PAES Lab troubleshooting tasks; PBL community problem-solving projects.
Student Outcome: Student will describe one solution to a workplace problem.
Step 7 – Learn Resume & Application Skills
Step 7 – Learn Resume & Application Skills
Description: Practice completing paper and online applications; create a basic resume.
Category: Instruction
Teacher Tip: Provide sample resumes and teach how to adapt them for different jobs.
Local Connections: Pre-ETS resume workshops; Pathful resume builder.
Student Outcome: Student will complete a resume including education, skills, and experience.
Step 8 – Prepare for Interviews
Step 8 – Prepare for Interviews
Description: Learn common interview questions, appropriate dress, and non-verbal communication.
Category: Instruction / Employment Skills
Teacher Tip: Conduct mock interviews with feedback; use video recording for review.
Local Connections: Pre-ETS interview practice; Academy business partner mock interviews.
Student Outcome: Student will answer three common interview questions with confidence.
Step 9 – Practice Workplace Behavior in Simulated Settings
Step 9 – Practice Workplace Behavior in Simulated Settings
Description: Apply work readiness skills in PAES Lab or similar environment.
Category: Community Experience / Functional Assessment
Teacher Tip: Track performance and behaviors, providing feedback after each shift.
Local Connections: PAES Lab job simulations; Pre-ETS work-based learning trials.
Student Outcome: Student will demonstrate two work readiness skills in a simulated work setting.
Step 10 – Create a Job Readiness Portfolio
Step 10 – Create a Job Readiness Portfolio
Description: Compile resume, references, skills inventory, and certificates earned.
Category: Instruction / Functional Assessment
Teacher Tip: Encourage students to keep a digital and printed copy; update regularly.
Local Connections: Pre-ETS career portfolio; Academy advisory support.
Student Outcome: Student will complete a portfolio with at least three items documenting readiness for work.
Workplace Skills
Workplace Skills
Step 1 – Understand Job Roles and Expectations
Step 1 – Understand Job Roles and Expectations
Description: Learn workplace policies, rules, and specific job duties for your role.
Category: Instruction / Employment Skills
Teacher Tip: Review employer handbooks or work agreements; connect duties to skills learned in Academy pathway classes.
Local Connections: Academy-specific classes (e.g., Culinary Arts safety rules, Engineering lab protocols); Pre-ETS job coaching.
Student Outcome: Student will explain two expectations for their job role.
Step 2 – Practice Task Accuracy and Efficiency
Step 2 – Practice Task Accuracy and Efficiency
Description: Perform tasks with attention to detail and within expected time limits.
Category: Employment Skills
Teacher Tip: Use PAES Lab for timed skill practice; compare work speed/accuracy to workplace standards.
Local Connections: PAES Lab job stations; Academy lab projects; WBLE/WE work logs.
Student Outcome: Student will complete a work task with no more than one error within the set time.
Step 3 – Apply Safety and Workplace Procedures
Step 3 – Apply Safety and Workplace Procedures
Description: Follow safety rules, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and operate tools/machinery correctly.
Category: Employment Skills / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Include OSHA 10 training or pathway-specific safety modules.
Local Connections: Academy lab classes (Health Sciences, Maritime, Engineering safety protocols); Pre-ETS workplace safety training.
Student Outcome: Student will correctly demonstrate two safety procedures for their job.
Step 4 – Demonstrate Professional Work Habits
Step 4 – Demonstrate Professional Work Habits
Description: Show punctuality, reliability, and consistent attendance.
Category: Employment Skills
Teacher Tip: Track attendance and punctuality in real-time; review trends with the student.
Local Connections: WBLE and WE employer feedback; Academy internship attendance expectations.
Student Outcome: Student will maintain at least 90% on-time attendance during the work experience.
Step 5 – Strengthen Interpersonal Skills
Step 5 – Strengthen Interpersonal Skills
Description: Communicate effectively with supervisors, co-workers, and customers.
Category: Employment Skills
Teacher Tip: Model respectful communication and teach strategies for handling misunderstandings.
Local Connections: Academy customer service units; Pre-ETS self-advocacy workshops.
Student Outcome: Student will demonstrate one positive communication strategy in the workplace.
Step 6 – Learn Problem-Solving on the Job
Step 6 – Learn Problem-Solving on the Job
Description: Identify issues that arise at work and take steps to resolve them appropriately.
Category: Employment Skills / Functional Assessment
Teacher Tip: Use “Pause–Think–Act” decision-making model; role-play workplace scenarios.
Local Connections: Academy senior capstone problem-solving projects; WBLE/WE employer feedback.
Student Outcome: Student will describe how they solved one workplace problem.
Step 7 – Manage Workplace Stress and Emotions
Step 7 – Manage Workplace Stress and Emotions
Description: Use strategies to stay calm and focused under pressure.
Category: Daily Living / Employment Skills
Teacher Tip: Teach deep breathing, positive self-talk, and time management to reduce stress.
Local Connections: Pre-ETS self-management lessons; Academy project deadlines as practice scenarios.
Student Outcome: Student will apply one stress management technique during a work task.
Step 8 – Apply Technical Skills from Pathway Classes
Step 8 – Apply Technical Skills from Pathway Classes
Description: Use industry-specific knowledge learned in Academy courses in real job settings.
Category: Employment Skills / Instruction
Teacher Tip: Help students identify which class skills apply to their current job duties.
Local Connections: Academy career pathway curriculum (e.g., welding skills in Maritime internships, patient care skills in Health Sciences WBLEs).
Student Outcome: Student will apply one skill from an Academy class in a workplace task.
Step 9 – Accept and Apply Feedback
Step 9 – Accept and Apply Feedback
Description: Listen to constructive criticism and make changes to improve performance.
Category: Employment Skills
Teacher Tip: Practice giving and receiving feedback; review examples from actual work situations.
Local Connections: WBLE/WE supervisor feedback sessions; PAES Lab performance reviews.
Student Outcome: Student will make one specific improvement based on feedback.
Step 10 – Build Independence at Work
Step 10 – Build Independence at Work
Description: Complete tasks without constant supervision and take initiative for new assignments.
Category: Employment Skills / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Gradually fade supports; encourage self-monitoring of quality and pace.
Local Connections: Pre-ETS job coaching; senior capstone independent work.
Student Outcome: Student will complete at least one full shift independently while meeting expectations.
Job Retention
Job Retention
Step 1 – Understand Employer Expectations Over Time
Step 1 – Understand Employer Expectations Over Time
Description: Learn how job expectations may change after the first weeks or months.
Category: Employment Skills / Instruction
Teacher Tip: Review the employee handbook periodically; discuss seasonal or project-based changes.
Local Connections: WBLE/WE supervisor check-ins; Pre-ETS workplace expectations module.
Student Outcome: Student will identify one new expectation that has developed since starting the job.
Step 2 – Maintain Attendance and Punctuality
Step 2 – Maintain Attendance and Punctuality
Description: Consistently arrive on time, follow the schedule, and notify the employer when absent.
Category: Employment Skills / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Create a system for tracking work schedules and setting reminders.
Local Connections: WBLE/WE attendance logs; Academy internship requirements.
Student Outcome: Student will maintain at least 95% attendance over a set period.
Step 3 – Demonstrate Ongoing Reliability
Step 3 – Demonstrate Ongoing Reliability
Description: Follow through on tasks, meet deadlines, and complete responsibilities without being asked.
Category: Employment Skills
Teacher Tip: Help students create personal checklists to ensure all duties are completed.
Local Connections: PAES Lab self-directed work tasks; Pre-ETS reliability lessons.
Student Outcome: Student will complete all assigned tasks for one week without reminders.
Step 4 – Maintain Positive Workplace Relationships
Step 4 – Maintain Positive Workplace Relationships
Description: Build and keep respectful, cooperative relationships with supervisors and co-workers.
Category: Employment Skills
Teacher Tip: Encourage active listening and acknowledgment of others’ contributions.
Local Connections: Academy PBL teamwork; WBLE/WE team-based tasks.
Student Outcome: Student will demonstrate one action that supports a positive workplace relationship.
Step 5 – Adapt to Change
Step 5 – Adapt to Change
Description: Adjust to new tasks, schedules, supervisors, or locations.
Category: Employment Skills / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Use role-play to practice flexibility; introduce changes gradually when possible.
Local Connections: Pre-ETS flexibility training; Academy capstone projects with shifting roles.
Student Outcome: Student will adjust to one workplace change without complaint or refusal.
Step 6 – Continue Learning and Growing
Step 6 – Continue Learning and Growing
Description: Seek out training, certifications, or new responsibilities to advance in the job.
Category: Employment Skills / Instruction
Teacher Tip: Connect students to online learning modules or in-house training programs.
Local Connections: Pathful learning resources; Academy-to-employer training pipelines.
Student Outcome: Student will complete one professional development activity related to their job.
Step 7 – Manage Workplace Stress and Prevent Burnout
Step 7 – Manage Workplace Stress and Prevent Burnout
Description: Use healthy strategies to handle stress and maintain motivation.
Category: Employment Skills / Daily Living
Teacher Tip: Teach and model stress-reduction techniques; encourage work-life balance.
Local Connections: Pre-ETS self-management workshops; Academy wellness supports.
Student Outcome: Student will use one stress-management strategy during a challenging work period.
Step 8 – Advocate for Self and Needs
Step 8 – Advocate for Self and Needs
Description: Communicate needs for accommodations, training, or support in a professional manner.
Category: Employment Skills / Related Services
Teacher Tip: Practice self-advocacy scripts and role-play conversations with supervisors.
Local Connections: Pre-ETS self-advocacy unit; Academy career advisory groups.
Student Outcome: Student will make one professional request to meet a workplace need.
Step 9 – Understand When and How to Leave a Job Professionally
Step 9 – Understand When and How to Leave a Job Professionally
Description: Learn appropriate resignation procedures and how to provide notice.
Category: Employment Skills / Adult Living
Teacher Tip: Review sample resignation letters and exit interview tips.
Local Connections: Pre-ETS workplace transitions lesson.
Student Outcome: Student will explain the steps for leaving a job on good terms.
Step 10 – Maintain a Professional Reputation
Step 10 – Maintain a Professional Reputation
Description: Keep a positive record with employers to support references and future opportunities.
Category: Employment Skills / Community Experience
Teacher Tip: Discuss how actions now affect future recommendations and networking.
Local Connections: Academy alumni networking; WBLE/WE employer reference building.
Student Outcome: Student will identify one way to maintain a positive professional reputation.
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