What is the Career Preparation System?

The Career Preparation System of Chippewa Valley Schools is an integral part of the total educational experience. It is designed to assist all students with the development of necessary academic, technical, and work behavior knowledge and skills for career success and advanced education. Career preparation is an ongoing process supported by participation in activities and programs focused on self-awareness, career exploration, academic and technical skills development, decision-making and planning. All of this leading to a successful transition into a career and lifelong learning process that is in alignment with individual interests and talents.

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Develop and update Educational Development Plan (EDP) Community Service CAREER CRUISING Job Shadowing ACT Explorer Technology Education MEAP Career-Technical Education Programs Internship Career Days/Fairs/Expos Articulated Post-Secondary Credit and Apprenticeships Dual Enrollment Advanced Placement Post-Secondary Visits, Financial Aid Search Post-Secondary Applications Providing opportunities to explore throughout K-12 education is a cornerstone of career preparation. Every time a teacher correlates subject matter to its application in a work-based environment, a contribution is made to a students understanding of how academics relates to the world beyond the classroom. At the elementary level, career preparation focuses on developing a general awareness about people and work, and children begin to cultivate the transferable skills and habits, such as teamwork, that support success. Middle school students begin exploring careers in groupings called Career Pathways and involve themselves more in the self-awareness and exploration process. Early high school students are encouraged to make tentative choices and goals, and begin testing these ideas through career research, informational interviewing, attending career-related activities, participating in job shadowing, internship, etc. Older high school students who have actively engaged in the career preparation process will likely be able to focus more sharply on their goals and finetune their plans to achieve them. Many advanced high school programs are designed to articulate with postsecondary programs at community colleges and four-year institutions across the state. PLAN PSAT, ACT and SAT Tests

Why Do We Need a Career Preparation System? The impact of rapidly changing technology and an expanding global economy is being felt across all career areas including those traditionally requiring a baccalaureate degree. Employers have expectations for well-prepared, motivated employees possessing academic skills in mathematics, communications, and science. People with good work ethics, teamwork skills, critical thinking, flexibility, and a desire for continued learning are in high demand. The need for unskilled labor continues to decrease. Having the right preparation for a career of choice is critical. No longer can people completing a four-year degree be assured of employment unless they have the necessary knowledge and skills to meet an employers needs. There are three major skill sets that are necessary for all students: 1. Academic Skills 2. Technical Skills 3. Pre-employability Skills Acquiring all of these for all students is the goal of the Career Preparation System. For more information about career preparation and available resources, you may contact: Claire Brisson, Career Preparation System Coordinator Chippewa Valley Schools,19120 Cass Avenue, Clinton Township, MI 48038 Phone: 586/723-2224 Fax: 586/723-2001 E-mail: cbrisson@cvs.k12.mi.us