The principles for best practice career education programs
Top practice career education programs:
• are client focused
• are mainstream
• are endorsed by management
• involve all stakeholders
• use up-to-date information
• use a variety of curriculum resources
• use appropriately trained personnel
• are coordinated, monitored and evaluated
Consumer focused career education programs:
• are based on identified student needs
• are developmentally appropriate
• actively involve students
• cater for a variety of learning styles and ability levels
• provide programs for students with special needs.
Programs of career education that are mainstream seen by the school community as:
• an integral rather than an extraneous part of the school's curriculum
• a shared process - a whole of school responsibility
• not an add-on activity.
The management group supports the school's career education program, when they:
• believe it contributes to the achievement of school goals
• include the program in the school management plan and other reporting documents
• give a commitment to professional development, adequate time, and resources
• ensure that the program continues regardless of school personnel changes.
Career educational programs that actively involve all stakeholders in the school community are understood and promoted by the community. Stakeholders involve students, parents, teachers, industry, employers, support services, mentors, former students, community organizations, and education/training providers.
Most excellent practice career education programs include up-to-date, accurate and user-friendly career information. They apply a variety of information access points, for example:
• a career reference room or a career section in the library
• computer/Internet access
• school website/newsletter
• school email network for students
• guest speakers
• career markets and expos, open days.
Teachers concerned to career education programs need access to a variety of curriculum resources to meet the different learning and developmental needs of students. Curriculum resources should be credible, current, and user-friendly.
Career growth is complex and the pathways available to students are multiple. As a result, school personnel occupied by the delivery of career education programs should be appropriately trained. Personnel that provide career counseling in the school should have formal qualifications in career development and career counseling, and access to supervision.
The programs of career education need coordination to ensure that all students have access to a comprehensive program, and to avoid duplication of curriculum content at different year levels. Monitoring and evaluation are important components of a career education program to ensure that the program is meeting the needs of students and other stakeholders, and contributing to the achievement of the school's goals.
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