Florian noted if a student does have concerns about how a class fits into the long-term plan, the teacher should be able to provide a sound explanation, and, if not, the student should probably consider another avenue.
The ninth-grade seminar curriculum is the first at the high school level to offer students a general overview of different fields and the level of education needed to obtain a job in that field. Eventually the goal is to build upon the first-year curriculum plan with further discussions and projects during the years which follow.
GHS freshman Amy McIntyre believes that the pathways program is serving an important function in her education. "It helps you decide what you want to look into for a career," said McIntyre, who is considering animal work or elementary teaching after completing her interest survey. "You go into it with an idea of what you like to do and then it gives you a list of jobs."
Still only a freshman, McIntyre says she's in the midst of basic, required classes, but during the next three years she hopes to narrow her classes to be more in line with her particular areas of interest. "Most kids have an idea of what they want to do, but for the kids who don't it helps. Even for the kids who know, it helps to show them what they need to do."
McIntyre's freshman classmate Andrew Miner noted that he's most likely going to follow the career pathway laid as an example by his father - business, management, marketing and technology. "I think it's a good idea because it puts you on a path instead of going around having no idea of what you want to do."
Miner, content on someday becoming a stockbroker, said that most GHS students seem to think the program is a great idea. Because of the recommendations he's received, Miner will most likely focus on a number of management, business and math classes.
Judy Bloink, GHS academic advisor, emphasized that research in Career Pathways programs has indicated that what pathway students choose in eighth grade is usually what they end up with in 11th grade. Although there may be some adjustments made through the years, the students most often return to their original selection. "A lot of that depends on the student making informed decisions," Bloink said.
According to Bloink, it's a warning sign and a potential problem if a student who is interested in becoming a veterinarian wants nothing to do with science classes. Unfortunately, that sometimes happens without students having a full understanding of all the facets a particular career may involve. Pathways hope to bring those conflicts to light early.
Bloink continued by saying that many students don't realize that they may not need to attend a college or university to end up in the field they wish. In fact, there are an increasing number of jobs that do not require a degree, and that's important for students to realize since not everyone has the resources available to complete a post-secondary education.