Effective Career Development Programs Begin EARLY in the Educational Continuum

According to Maddy-Bernstein and Dare, in their article Career Guidance for Elementary and Middle School Students, during their review of exemplary career guidance and counseling programs, OSS (Office of Student Services) discovered that effective programs create the most positive difference when it comes to student outcomes. “Students at all grade levels fair better when they:
 are exposed to career awareness and exploration before they make critical choices at the high school and postsecondary levels;
 have continued assistance identifying their strengths, interest, and aptitudes;
 are helped to view career paths as a broad range of options available to them;
 have a well-planned, structured school program to assist them in understanding the world of work;
 have an opportunity to work/volunteer in business through secondary school programs;
 find curriculum challenging and relevant to their interests;
 and work with their parents, counselors, and teachers to select school courses and programs.”
They go on to state that truly effective programs addressing career development are systemic. They begin early in the educational continuum. All learners and especially those “most at risk of failing in our schools and society” must have accessibility and it should be “embedded in the elementary and middle school curriculum as well as secondary and postsecondary curriculum.