COLLEGE & CAREER TRANSITION COURSES
COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING (5445)
Grades 10-12 Half Year, .5 Credit
Prerequisite: None
Where do I begin? What do I want to do with my life after graduation? Students will explore college options related to their interests and begin to plan for their career through research and exploration activities. Students will create a career plan to lay the foundation for sound career decision-making. First, students will explore “who you are” and what careers are best suited for them. Class activities will include self-assessment, career research and identification of high school courses needed as well as suitable college majors. Guest speakers and industry professionals will enhance student learning. All students will complete a Career Portfolio, which will include results of career research as well as their self-assessment of their current résumé and references. This course is a perfect introduction to Career Jump Start, in which students may obtain a paid or nonpaid internship in the career field of their choice.
CAREER JUMP START (5431)
Grades 10-12 Half Year, .5 - 2.5 Credits
Prerequisite: None
Students will gain insight into the new and exciting career opportunities of the 21st century and learn how to successfully compete in a global market. Students will be given the tools to enhance their communication skills, including proper email correspondence and appropriate body language in a business setting. Students will learn about LinkedIn, a powerful social media platform to network, find a job and be informed about new trends in the workplace. Students will learn how to prepare professional employment documents necessary for a job search including a resume, list of references, cover letter and formal thank-you letters. Students will create personal e-portfolios to use in the present and
build upon in the future. Students will understand how to match their skills and abilities to specific career requirements. Students will enhance their presentation skills as they participate in mock interviews, as well as create and practice their personal elevator pitches. In addition, students will participate in case studies, virtual
internships and field trips to experience real-world settings. Additional topics include getting along with colleagues, dealing with supervisors and navigating the day-to-day work environment.
Professionals will visit the classroom to work with students on a variety of topics to provide real-world insights. Students will become familiar with New York State workplace safety laws and employee regulations, as well as forms and procedures used in the general workplace environment (e.g., W-2, W-4, I-9). Students will also have
the opportunity to work directly with the work experience coordinator to secure an internship or meaningful work experience. All students will receive .5 credit for the class and students age 16 and older can earn an additional .5 credit for every 150 hours of work outside of school (up to 2 credits for 600 hours of workplace
experience).
SOCIAL MEDIA: THE DIGITAL GENERATION (5515)
Grades 10-12 Half Year, .5 Credit
Students may elect to take this course for 3 college credits through Stony Brook University.
Prerequisite: None
Creating a positive digital profile can be a challenging task for the 21st-century student. Students will learn how to utilize the power of the internet and social media to enhance their web presence and digital profile. This course explores a number of topics, including
building a strong web presence, leveraging social media, creating and uploading video content, blended and distance learning, and mobile devices as a learning tool. Students will collaborate with other school districts through Google Drive to create a culminating
final digital project. Together, students will discover how technology and social media impact society now and in the future.