A research study linking career readiness and career awareness in U.S.-based curriculum

A colleague from school, now at the U.S. Department of Education, sent me an interesting action research project from a few years back. The full download is available at this link.

Student Awareness of Careers through a Variety of Strategies.

Benning, C.; Bergt, R.; Sausaman, P.

This report depicts a program for increasing students' career awareness through a variety of strategies that include multiple intelligences, career counseling, field trips and cross-curricular activities. The targeted population consisted of fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students in a Midwest, urban community. Analyses of probable cause data disclosed students are unprepared for the workforce. A review of solution strategies suggested by researchers, combined with an analysis of the problem setting resulted in selection of strategies and materials to be implemented within the school day. The strategies and materials encouraged children to become aware of the variety of careers available to them. A focus on four career clusters and emphasis on several specific occupations occurred throughout the intervention phase. Strategies focusing on multiple intelligences, career counseling, field trips, and cross-curricular activities helped incorporate career awareness education into the curriculum. The objective of increasing career awareness of various occupations was clearly met. Students gained an understanding of how their schoolwork related to life in the future and post intervention data indicated that the career education provided the students with greater activities for achieving self-esteem. Eleven appendixes contain surveys and evaluation guides. (Contains 26 references.) (GCP)