12th Grade
Project
10 weeks
"Future Paths: Unveiling Post-Graduation Portfolios"
Develop a plan to pursue a goal
Monitor progress and adjust
Advocate for myself and others
Build networks
Build models, prototypes, or action plans
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Purpose
Students will create a comprehensive portfolio that maps out their post-graduation pathways, whether it be higher education, vocational training, or entering the workforce. Through this project, students will develop actionable plans, build networks, and engage with community partners to gain real-world insights. The project fosters self-advocacy and collaboration, encouraging students to share their journeys and support one another in navigating diverse future opportunities.
Learning goals
Students will develop a comprehensive action plan for their post-graduation pathway, incorporating timelines, resources, and strategies to overcome potential obstacles. They will engage in self-advocacy by articulating their goals and progress, while also building networks with peers and community partners. The project will culminate in a peer-led initiative that encourages sharing and support among students, fostering a collaborative environment for exploring diverse educational and career options.
Standards
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7: Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
Competencies
- Learn with Purpose - Develop a plan to pursue a goal (LI.1)
- Learn with Purpose - Monitor progress and adjust (LI.2)
- Build Community - Advocate for myself and others (BC.2)
- Build Community - Build networks (BC.3)
- Design Solutions - Build models, prototypes, or action plans (DS.2)
Products
Students will create a comprehensive portfolio showcasing their post-graduation plans, including a detailed action plan with timelines, resources, and potential obstacles. They will also develop a presentation to share their plans and experiences with peers, fostering a collaborative environment. Additionally, students will organize a peer-led event where they present their portfolios and network with community partners, gaining insights and feedback.
Launch
Kick off the project with a "Future Fair," where students explore various post-graduation pathways through interactive booths representing each option: 4-year college, 2-year college, trade school, gap year, and direct workforce entry. Invite recent graduates and local professionals to share their experiences and answer questions. This event will inspire students to envision their futures and begin formulating their action plans.
Exhibition
At the conclusion of the project, students will host a "Future Pathways Expo" where they present their portfolios to peers, teachers, family members, and community partners. Each student will have a booth showcasing their action plan, complete with timelines, resources, and identified obstacles. The event will include a panel discussion featuring guest speakers from local colleges and trade schools, allowing students to engage in Q&A sessions. Additionally, students will lead small group discussions to share insights and receive feedback, fostering a collaborative environment for exploring diverse post-graduation options.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
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| Activities |
Activity 1: Participate in a 'Future Fair' kickoff event where students explore various post-graduation pathways through interactive booths. Attend presentations and engage with recent graduates and local professionals to gather insights on different paths.
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Activity 2: Begin drafting a personal reflection on interests, skills, and values to help identify potential post-graduation pathways. Use this reflection as a foundation for developing a personalized action plan.
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Activity 3: Form peer groups to discuss initial thoughts and aspirations for post-graduation plans. Facilitate a discussion that encourages students to share ideas and offer feedback on each other's reflections.
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| Deliverables |
1. Deliverable 1: Submit a personal reflection outlining interests, skills, and values related to potential post-graduation pathways.
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| Preparation |
1. Prep Task 1: Organize and coordinate the 'Future Fair' event by inviting recent graduates and local professionals as guest speakers and setting up interactive booths representing different pathways.
2. Prep Task 2: Prepare guidelines and prompts for the personal reflection activity to assist students in articulating their interests, skills, and values. 3. Prep Task 3: Establish peer groups for discussion and provide a structure or set of questions to guide their conversations. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Activity 1: Research and gather detailed information on the selected post-graduation pathways. Use online resources, library materials, and interviews with professionals in the field to explore requirements, costs, and career prospects.
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Activity 2: Begin drafting a detailed outline for the action plan, including specific goals, timelines, and resources needed for the chosen pathway. Collaborate with peers to review and provide feedback on each other's outlines.
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| Deliverables |
1. Deliverable 1: Submit a research summary on the chosen post-graduation pathway, highlighting key requirements, potential challenges, and opportunities.
2. Deliverable 2: Create a draft outline of the action plan, detailing goals, timelines, and resources. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prep Task 1: Compile a list of reliable online resources, databases, and local contacts for students to use in their research.
2. Prep Task 2: Develop a template for the action plan outline to guide students in organizing their information and planning. 3. Prep Task 3: Arrange for guest speakers or virtual sessions with professionals in various fields to provide insights and answer student questions about different pathways. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Activity 1: Engage in a workshop focused on identifying and overcoming potential obstacles in their chosen post-graduation pathways. Students will brainstorm strategies and solutions with peers, drawing from personal experiences and research findings.
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Activity 2: Collaborate in small groups to present and discuss the initial draft outlines of their action plans. Students will provide constructive feedback to each other and refine their plans, focusing on timelines, resources, and identified obstacles.
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| Deliverables |
1. Deliverable 1: Submit a revised and detailed action plan draft incorporating feedback, with a focus on clearly defined timelines, necessary resources, and strategies for overcoming potential obstacles.
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| Preparation |
1. Prep Task 1: Develop a workshop framework that includes prompts and activities for students to identify potential obstacles and strategize solutions.
2. Prep Task 2: Create a feedback rubric to guide peer reviews of the action plan drafts, ensuring students focus on constructive and actionable feedback. 3. Prep Task 3: Coordinate with community partners to arrange guest speakers or virtual sessions where students can learn about real-world challenges and solutions from professionals in their fields of interest. |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Activity 1: Facilitate a peer review session where students present their action plans in small groups. Peers will provide feedback using the rubric, focusing on the clarity of timelines, resources, and potential obstacles.
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Activity 2: Host a guest speaker session with representatives from local colleges, trade schools, or industries. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights into the real-world application of their plans.
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| Deliverables |
1. Deliverable 1: Submit a peer-reviewed version of the action plan, incorporating feedback received during group presentations.
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| Preparation |
1. Prep Task 1: Prepare a detailed rubric for the peer review session that highlights key elements such as clarity, feasibility, and thoroughness of the action plan.
2. Prep Task 2: Coordinate with local colleges, trade schools, and industry professionals to arrange guest speakers for the session, ensuring a diverse range of pathways are represented. 3. Prep Task 3: Set up the logistics for the peer review session, including organizing groups and providing a structured format for feedback. |
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| Week 5 | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Activity 1: Organize a networking workshop where students practice creating and presenting their elevator pitches. Students will develop concise summaries of their post-graduation plans and goals to effectively communicate with potential mentors and community partners.
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Activity 2: Facilitate a 'Networking Simulation' event where students interact with peers and invited community members. Each student will present their elevator pitch, engage in discussions, and exchange contact information to establish potential connections for their future pathways.
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| Deliverables |
1. Deliverable 1: Submit a polished version of an elevator pitch script highlighting key aspects of the student's action plan and goals.
2. Deliverable 2: Compile a list of potential contacts and connections made during the networking simulation, including any follow-up actions planned. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prep Task 1: Develop guidelines and a template for crafting effective elevator pitches, ensuring students understand key components like clarity, conciseness, and engagement.
2. Prep Task 2: Arrange for community members, such as local business owners, college representatives, and industry professionals, to participate in the networking simulation. 3. Prep Task 3: Set up the logistics for the networking simulation, including arranging the space, organizing participant schedules, and preparing name tags or contact cards for attendees. |
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| Week 6 | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Activity 1: Host a 'Career Pathway Panel' where students present their action plans to a panel of community partners, including local college representatives, trade school advisors, and industry professionals. Each student will receive feedback and suggestions on their plans.
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Activity 2: Facilitate a reflective workshop where students review the feedback received from the panel and identify specific areas for improvement or adjustment in their action plans. Students will also discuss how to integrate the feedback into their plans to enhance their readiness for their chosen pathways.
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| Deliverables |
1. Deliverable 1: Submit a revised and enhanced version of the action plan, incorporating panel feedback, with a focus on improved timelines, resource identification, and obstacle mitigation strategies.
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| Preparation |
1. Prep Task 1: Coordinate with local community colleges, trade schools, and industry professionals to form a diverse panel for the Career Pathway Panel event.
2. Prep Task 2: Develop a feedback form for panelists to use during the student presentations, highlighting key areas such as feasibility, clarity, and thoroughness. 3. Prep Task 3: Arrange the logistics for the panel event, including the venue setup, schedule, and any necessary technology or presentation equipment. |
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| Week 7 | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Activity 1: Facilitate a peer collaboration workshop where students work in pairs to review each other's complete portfolios, focusing on clarity, coherence, and the integration of action plans. They will discuss potential improvements and adjustments to better align with each student's goals.
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Activity 2: Organize a mock interview session where students practice interviewing for opportunities related to their post-graduation path. Students will take turns being both interviewer and interviewee, using their action plans and elevator pitches as foundational elements.
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| Deliverables |
1. Deliverable 1: Submit a peer-reviewed version of the portfolio, incorporating feedback and suggestions from the workshop.
2. Deliverable 2: Reflective journal entry summarizing key takeaways from the mock interviews, including identified strengths and areas for improvement in communication and presentation. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prep Task 1: Develop a feedback form for the peer collaboration workshop, guiding students on key areas to review in the portfolios.
2. Prep Task 2: Create a set of interview questions and scenarios relevant to each student's chosen pathway for the mock interviews. 3. Prep Task 3: Arrange the logistics for the mock interview session, including space setup and scheduling to ensure all students have the opportunity to participate as both interviewer and interviewee. |
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| Week 8 | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Activity 1: Host a 'Portfolio Showcase Preparation' workshop where students finalize their portfolios, ensuring all sections are complete and well-organized. This includes refining their action plans, incorporating feedback, and ensuring visual and written elements are polished.
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Activity 2: Conduct a 'Gallery Walk' rehearsal where students set up their portfolios as if presenting at the Future Pathways Expo. Peers and teachers will walk through, reviewing, and providing final feedback on presentation skills and portfolio content.
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| Deliverables |
1. Deliverable 1: Submit a finalized version of the portfolio, incorporating all components such as the action plan, elevator pitch, and any visual elements.
2. Deliverable 2: Create a presentation plan outlining how they will showcase their portfolio at the Future Pathways Expo, including talking points and key highlights. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prep Task 1: Prepare guidelines and a checklist for students to ensure all necessary elements are included in their portfolios and presentation plans.
2. Prep Task 2: Arrange the logistics for the Gallery Walk, including space allocation, scheduling, and any necessary materials for feedback collection. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop a rubric for evaluating the final portfolios and presentation plans, focusing on completeness, clarity, and presentation quality. |
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| Week 9 | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Activity 1: Facilitate a peer-led initiative planning session where students design and organize a peer-led event to encourage sharing of their post-graduation plans and experiences, fostering a supportive environment for exploring diverse options.
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Activity 2: Conduct a final rehearsal for the Future Pathways Expo, where students practice presenting their portfolios to peers, focusing on delivery, engagement, and clarity. Peers provide constructive feedback to help refine presentations.
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| Deliverables |
1. Deliverable 1: Submit a detailed plan for the peer-led initiative, including objectives, roles, timeline, and promotional strategies.
2. Deliverable 2: Finalize and submit a polished presentation script for the Future Pathways Expo, incorporating peer feedback. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prep Task 1: Provide guidelines and resources for organizing a peer-led initiative, offering examples of past successful events and strategies for effective peer engagement.
2. Prep Task 2: Arrange the logistics for the final rehearsal, including space setup and scheduling to ensure each student has ample time to practice and receive feedback. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop a feedback form for peers to use during the rehearsal, emphasizing key areas such as engagement, clarity, and confidence in presentation. |
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| Week 10 | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Activity 1: Host the 'Future Pathways Expo' where students present their portfolios to an audience of peers, teachers, family members, and community partners. Each student operates a booth to showcase their action plan and engage with attendees through discussion and Q&A sessions.
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Activity 2: Facilitate a reflection and feedback session post-expo, where students gather to discuss their experiences, share insights gained, and reflect on the journey of creating their portfolio. Encourage students to set future goals based on their presentations and feedback received.
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| Deliverables |
1. Deliverable 1: Present a complete portfolio at the Future Pathways Expo, showcasing the action plan, timeline, resources, and potential obstacles.
2. Deliverable 2: Submit a written reflection summarizing the feedback received during the expo, personal insights, and future goals related to their post-graduation pathway. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prep Task 1: Organize the logistics for the Future Pathways Expo, including venue setup, invitations for community partners, arranging booth spaces for each student, and any necessary AV equipment.
2. Prep Task 2: Develop a feedback form for expo attendees to provide constructive comments on student presentations, focusing on clarity, engagement, and feasibility of plans. 3. Prep Task 3: Prepare materials for the reflection session, including prompts to guide student discussions and a format for documenting their insights and future goals. |
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