Effects of a Focused Career Development Curriculum for Middle School Students

A research project by Sarah Hunt Background:

Alice Ott Middle School (AOMS) is in SE Portland in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood and articulates to David Douglas High School. Significant demographic information: 54% Caucasian, 24% LEP, 73% free & reduced lunch program. The counselors at AOMS developed a two-day career curriculum for eighth graders that guides students through a career development experience. No data exists as to the effects of this curriculum on students ability to set goals for high school and beyond based on career aspirations.

Research Questions: 1. What is the effect of a focused career development curriculum on students ability to
identify future career possibilities? 2. What is the effect of a focused career development curriculum on students ability to identify high school courses that will aid in specific career explorations?

Project Overview:
Student Survey - Pre-intervention administered in homeroom

1. 2. 3.

4.

Student Survey What plans do you have for after high school? What career(s) are you considering for your future? What high school classes are you planning to take that relate to your future plans? Have you taken Exploratory as an elective?

Analyze qualitative data Career Development Unit (Intervention) two class periods in Social Studies - based on Oregon CIS Student Survey - Post-intervention adminstered after the second class period

Analyze qualitative data - compare

Results:
Increases shown from pre- to post Identifying one career goal Identifying multiple career goals Plans to pursue post-secondary education Identifying one or more high school classes that support career goal
May 2013

Decreases shown from pre- to post Unanswered or I dont know to questions 1 3

Identified high school classes that did not support career goal Plans to go directly into work force after high school

Unforeseen Results:
Pre-intervention, 179 students identified 79 discrete career options Post-intervention, 107 students listed 93 tentative career options

Conclusions:
Students will transition to high school better and be more successful (based on research and results) High school counselors able to be more involved with individual career development plans Career Unit having positive effect

Recommendations:
More communication between schools and levels regarding career development activities Use student-identified career goals to create next steps