Redefining High School
High school should be a time for planning for postsecondary opportunities while making a smooth transition into adulthood. It’s the optimal time for students to kick their postsecondary plans into high gear. Point them toward the following resources to ease the transition to adulthood.
OK College Start is a free online tool that provides career interest quizzes, career information, growing occupation trends, scholarship and financial aid resources, and information about programs of study in Oklahoma. This is a perfect tool to pair with career curriculum in the classroom, as well as financial aid presentations.
The OK Career Guide is a free online tool used to provide students free career interest assessments, information about career expectations, growing trends in occupations, and information on programs of study available in Oklahoma. This interactive tool can be used in the classroom during career lessons and also while at home with parents.
Here are a few helpful career activities:
Career Endorsements
In support of Senate Bill 1269 the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology developed college and career endorsements for the purpose of providing a clear pathway to a career.
An endorsement is an option students can add to their high school diplomas to show knowledge and/or skills gained in one of five broad subject matter areas: STEM, Arts and Humanities, Business and Industry, Public Services, or Aerospace and Defense or in Multidisciplinary Studies. To get an endorsement, students must complete a logical sequence of specific courses and activities approved by their districts. The following guides are suggestions. Decisions about endorsements are at the determination of the district.
Schools will use this endorsement guide to:
- Collaborate with industry leaders to build customized pathways so students can earn endorsements from high-demand industries.
- Collaborate with local postsecondary educators to build customized pathways for students to earn endorsements.
Students will use this endorsement to:
- Accompany their ICAP plan and take steps toward gaining meaningful experience in their chosen career pathway.
- Research Oklahoma’s fastest-growing industries.
- Participate in career training programs to meet future workforce needs.
- Connect with community mentors passionate about giving students the
- opportunity to succeed beyond high school.
College Career Math Ready Course
College Career Math Ready is a free course designed for high school seniors who have completed Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, and need a transition course to get them ready for college-level coursework. By engaging students in real-world applications, College Career Math Ready develops critical-thinking skills that students will use in college and their careers. College Career Math Ready has a proven track record of increasing student readiness.
For more information about the College Career Math Ready and Ready for High School Math courses, please visit http://sde.ok.gov/ccmr or http://www.sreb.org/math-ready. Any questions can be directed to Christine Koerner, Director of Secondary Mathematics and K-12 Computer Science.