MHS Students & Parents -
As we wrap up the 24-25 school year, it's time to start planning for 25-26. Before we delve head-first into course selection for next year, I'd like to share a few resources and thoughts.
High School course selection and planning is deeply embedded within the ICAP (Individual Career and Academic Plan) process and depends on self-discovery, self-awareness, life experiences and the increasingly changing topography of post-secondary education.
The career landscape in Colorado is changing at a rapid pace; there are more pathways to success than ever before. These pathways include Career & Technical Educational Certificates, School-to-Work Apprenticeships, Military Enlistment, Associate of Applied Science Degrees, and Bachelor's Degrees.
Helping students understand the various pathways and options available to them after high school has become a key focus on career advising. Current career options are immense. Navigating these options takes time and a focus on the following:
Individual Self-Awareness and Personal Development: Learners reflect on their personal identity and motivations, identifying interests, values and strengths to make informed decisions about career pathways
Career Exploration and Engagement: Through research, work-based learning experiences, and networking, learners consider various career options, industries and roles that align with their interests and goals
Academic Planning and Success: Learners set academic goals, aligning academic interests with career aspirations, and make intentional choices about coursework and learning opportunities
Postsecondary and Workforce Preparedness and Success: Learners acquire skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to thrive after high school regardless of their chosen pathway.
To help with this, MHS students use Naviance to take career / personality / learning styles assessments and to explore careers that align.
I encourage all parents to explore Naviance with their students. It is / will be time well spent, and can definitely assist with 25-26 course selection.
I am also sending a link to the MHS Career & Course Planning Guide.
This guide has been created to help parents and students strategically plan out high school coursework to align with career pathways.
The guide includes:
MHS Graduation Requirements
Preparing for 4-Year University Bachelor's Degree Programs
Selecting an Institution
Admission Requirements
Academic Course Mix, Rigor and Grades
Freshman Admission Requirements for Colorado Universities
Sample 4-Year High School Course Plan
Suggested High School Courses organized by Career Pathway
Preparing for 1-2 Year Associate of Applied Science Degrees
What is an Associate of Applied Science?
Admission Requirements
Workforce Training Programs
Sample 4-Year High School Course Plan
Suggested High School Courses organized by Career Pathway
Preparing for Career & Technical Education, Apprenticeships, and Military Enlistment
What do these programs entail?
Certificates & Apprenticeships
Military Enlistment
Sample 4-Year High School Course Plan
Suggested Courses
Additional career planning information and all MHS Course Descriptions (and prerequisites) can be found on the MHS Counseling & Career Center Website.
Please take a few minutes to review / investigate these resources, as current MHS students will begin course selection within the next few weeks.
Have a wonderful day!
TK