Pennsylvania is the first state in the United States to require that all students graduate with a personalized career plan and portfolio that is tied to clearly defined K-12 career education benchmarks. These benchmarks called the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Career Education and Work (CEW Standards) provide the curriculum road map that assures that all students are prepared for 21st century success. Smart Futures provides educators with SmartFutures.org, a K-12 career planning and portfolio platform that helps schools easily implement the CEW Standards within any classroom or virtually.
As part of the PA Future Ready requirements, students are required to have evidence of a number of college and career planning activities. At MaST, we are using the Smart Futures program to streamline these activities and to ensure we are in compliance. By the end of 11th grade, students must be able to produce 8 pieces of evidence that demonstrate college & career readiness.Â
To make sure that you are in compliance, please talk to your school counselor. Students have the option to complete these activities on their own, during class time, or during flex time.
By the End of Grade 5
Student must have 6 or more pieces of evidence accumulated within the 3-5 grade span.
Evidence must address all 4 strands of the "Career Education & Work."
By the End of Grade 8
Student must produce 6 additional pieces of evicence beyond the K-5 band of evidence.
Students must also completee an individualized career plan by the end of grade 8.
By the End of Grade 11
Student must produce 8 additional pieces of evidence beyond the K-5 and 6-8 grade bands.
At least 2 of these pieces of evidence must demonstrate implementation of the student's career plan from 8th grade.
The following activities are to be completed if your child is in HIGH SCHOOL:
9th grade: My Personality Type, Job Application, Preparation for Career, Abilities & Aptitudes
10th grade: Personal Interests, Career Clusters & Pathways, Selecting Your Career Goal, My Programs or Majors
11th grade: Job Interviews, Active Listening, The Entrepreneur Within, Personal Budget