In the News
Work-Based Learning programs in Massachusetts are highlighted in a new guide published by ASA. According to the guide: "Those opportunities to really hone in on a career identity, as well as build some workplace skills and build the social capital that we know is critical for both long term career success and sort of navigating the working world — all of those things should be happening," Lammers said.Schools seek to strengthen work-based learning opportunities | K-12 Dive
An interview with Kerry Akashian about the Connecting Activities program is featured in a recent American Student Assistance blog post. In the blog, they write: [We] have been digging deeper into best practices and policies employed by states to expand and improve high school work-based learning programs…. In this next installment, we chat with Dr. Kerry Akashian, Career Development Education Lead at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. High School Work-Based Learning in Massachusetts – Part 1 - ASA.org
The Career Development Education Guide/Glossary
The purpose of the guide is to present a central document that provides guidance to districts and other stakeholders to more effectively understand, develop, implement, and optimize career development education programs and practices in MA. The guide is intended to offer greater clarity on key terminology, improve programmatic delivery and design, build district capacity, and ultimately shift district and school-wide practices to better support the career development education received by all students across the Commonwealth.
The guide is presented in four sections. The guide begins with Section 1 on career development education (CDE). Discussion continues in Section 2 on the importance of CDE. Section 3 addresses the Massachusetts initiatives and tools that support strong CDE. Section 4 presents the elements of a strong CDE program and includes the stages of career development education, guiding principles of high quality CDE programs, and stakeholder support. Section 5 reflects on how to create a local vision for Career Development Education and introduces the Appendices.
While career development is a lifelong process, the focus of this guide is on the K–12 years, as DESE is charged with preparing students for college and career, beginning in kindergarten until graduating from high school.
Elements of Model Internship Programs
This resource guide, from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office for College, Career and Technical Education, provides advice, forms, letters and other materials to support the creation of internship programs.
Signal Success Curriculum
DESE and the Commonwealth Corporation collaborated to develop this version of CommCorp's Signal Success curriculum. It is designed primarily for students in high schools that offer internships, cooperative education or other youth employment programs, with a special emphasis on students enrolled in designated Innovation Pathways programs. The training material in this manual will help students get ready for an internship or other type of placement in a business or community setting. Students who complete this training can feel confident that they understand what businesses or organizations will expect of them.
Last Updated: June 15, 2023
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