Connecting the Dots Between Education, Interests, and Careers, Grades 7–10

Quick solutions for developing career-minded students!

Ask most preteens and teenagers about life after high school, and you’re likely to get blank looks or bored shrugs. Spark excitement and help kids feel motivated about staying in school by making the college or career connection come alive with this indispensable resource that takes the guesswork out of career awareness counseling.

Chock-full of ready-to-use lessons, this book gives busy teachers, school counselors, and parents succinct lessons that generate deep discussion and inquiry about the real world of post-secondary education and work. Extensively researched topics provide frank data and straightforward advice on wages, cost-of-living realities, job market projections, and promising new careers to help students match their interests and abilities to suitable career paths. You’ll get students, even those that are struggling, college and career-ready with

20-minute lessons for advisory, afterschool, and mentoring settings Talking points, reflections, and conversation starters to identify interests and abilities Skills assessments and job training requirements to help students make informed decisions about future career paths A companion website with downloadable forms for easy instruction

Use this one-of-a-kind, indispensible resource to curb drop out rates and help students take charge of their futures!

"The content is valuable for ALL students, including academically at-risk students, to prepare and motivate them for their future. This book is pragmatic, the activities and topics are engaging and on target, and the information is spot on."
—Claudia J. Thompson, Academic Officer
Peninsula School District, Gig Harbor, WA

"As a principal, I find myself having routine conversations with students, counselors, parents, and business owners about what the 21st-century graduate needs to be able to do in the world of work. This book provides a practical, hands-on approach that is easy to understand and provides a ‘wake-up call’ about the importance of education. I recommend this book to students, parents, and practitioners from the middle school level through adulthood!"
—Steve Knobl, Principal
Pasco County Schools, New Port Richey, FL