General Education

The St. Joseph County ISD assists our public and registered non-public schools in the implementation of the Career Preparation process for students in grades K – 12.

Our nine local districts have aligned their curriculum along the six Career Pathways (see below) so that all of our students can use Career Pathways to schedule courses, and make decisions concerning their education and goals for the future. Below is an in-depth explanation of what Career Pathways are, how they work and how they are beneficial to students, parents, educators, and employers alike.

For more information, please contact James Berry, Director of Career & Technical Education.

What are Career Pathways?

Career Pathways are:

1. Clusters of specific occupations or careers grouped together because they share similar interests, strengths, and skills. The Career Pathways Program offers:
   • A career development plan for all students, regardless of their interests, abilities, talents, or desired levels of education.
   • Basic skills for all students, regardless of the level of education or training that individuals choose to attain.
   • A variety of specific occupational choices, each requiring different levels of education and training.
   • Maximum flexibility in the career decision-making process, allowing students to move between pathways at any time without a gap or a penalty.
   • A way for students to discover the relevance of their selected school courses to actual occupations and careers. An opportunity for students to assess their own performance, improve where necessary, and attain personal and career goals.
2. A variety of related occupations that require different levels of education and training.
3. A means to provide students with an area of focus, along with flexibility, and a variety of ideas to pursue.
4. A systematic plan for a focused high school education leading into a chosen career area.

Six Steps to Career Pathway Decision-Making

Students should:

1. Identify their interests and talents through career research, job-shadowing, Community Classrooms, CTE Programs, and other self-examination/exploration opportunities.
2. Consider the possible careers in each pathway, in relationship to their interests, abilities, and talents.
3. Collaborate with family members, counselors, and teachers, evaluate and decide which Career Pathway seems to fit them best.
4. Select courses that are related to their chosen Pathway.
5. Complete course work to the best of their ability, including paid or unpaid work experience, internships, or apprenticeships.
6. Continually assess their performance and pathway choice along the way.

The ISD, seven K-12 districts and Glen Oaks Community College form a consortium to deliver CTE services.

Career and Technical Education

School Counselors from all local schools working together to improve their services to students. Focus sessions with keynote presenters are offered at times throughout the year. Attendance to the Counselors’ Academy is restricted to St. Joseph County School Counselors.

For more information, please contact Amanda Miller, Director of Instructional Leadership.