AchieveTexas Counselor's Guide

WELCOME TO AchieveTex as in action

Dear Counselor,

I

t’s an exciting time to be a school counselor in Texas. Our state continues to pioneer innovative programs that improve how students learn and what they achieve, and counselors are at the very center of our educational initiatives.

A step forward in Texas is the AchieveTexas College and Career Initiative.

AchieveTexas is designed to enable students to achieve success by preparing them for secondary and postsecondary opportunities, meaningful employment, and active citizenship. As a school counselor, you are in a unique position to help students take advantage of all that AchieveTexas has to offer.

Any education initiative takes time to implement and requires patience from everyone involved as the process unfolds. As a counselor, you may find that AchieveTexas affects your role, responsibilities, and schedule. Change can be stressful, but the truth is that AchieveTexas will actually make your job even more rewarding and exciting. Numerous resources are available to aid you in your counseling role.

You can be at the center of the effort to reorganize learning around 16 career clusters that will prepare students to graduate ready to participate in an increasingly competitive global economy. The AchieveTexas system of career clusters and programs of study is a tool you can use to help students create an education plan based on their individual interests, talents, and career You are in a unique goals. Above all, AchieveTexas creates the position to help students opportunity for you to help every student prepare for a lifetime of success, and the take advantage of all official website, www.achievetexas.org, offers achievetexas has to offer. free online resources.

This booklet was created for Texas school counselors. In addition to the information included here, the Education Service Centers are available to offer technical assistance and support as you begin to implement career clusters and programs of study in your schools.

AchieveTexas needs and deserves the support of every school counselor in the state.

School counselors have always played a critical role in helping prepare Texas students for success. As we implement AchieveTexas, we will provide the support and system needed to help ensure that every child reaches his or her highest potential in school, at work, and in life.

As A Counselor,

Why AchieveTexas?

Rigorous academics plus relevant career education equals success.

Everything’s bigger in Texas. That’s why the next step in reforming education is an initiative called AchieveTexas. With the help of school counselors, teachers, staff, parents, and employers, every student in the state will achieve success in school, career, and life.

The Basics AchieveTexas combines rigorous academics with relevant career education to prepare Texas students to compete—and win—in the global marketplace. The cornerstone of the initiative is the establishment of programs of study based on the 16 national career clusters. Although not every school will be able to offer all 16 clusters, the goal is to have schools transition to a career cluster model.

The 16 AchieveTexas in Action college and career planning guides (see page 7) offer students information for the careers available in each cluster, and the level of education and experience required for specific jobs. Each guide includes charts and graphics designed to give students a clear picture of career opportunities, plus advice from Texans currently working in many of those related careers. There’s also a quick quiz to help students get an idea of whether a particular cluster is right for them, and a realistic look at typical salaries and projected job growth in Texas for 25 sample occupations within a cluster.

What’s New? The difference between the AchieveTexas approach and current career education activities is that the resources are organized by cluster and integrated throughout the curriculum. As part of their coursework, students at all grade levels have the opportunity to learn about different careers and the specific skills and training required for various professions.

AchieveTexas doesn’t end with high school graduation. The focus is on lifelong learning for lifetime success. Students are encouraged to view learning as a process that begins in pre-kindergarten and spans a lifetime. Learning about careers, setting secondary and postsecondary education goals, and mastering rigorous academics are all part of this ongoing process to prepare students for educational achievement, meaningful careers, and active participation in their communities.

What Won’t Change AchieveTexas extends the state’s school guidance and counseling program’s relevant career preparation activities. AchieveTexas aligns with the state’s 4x4 graduation requirements and relevant career electives appropriate for a student’s career goals, including students with special needs.

As with any initiative, you probably have questions about how the requirements will affect your role and responsibilities. A number of issues raised by counselors are addressed in the Frequently Asked Questions section on pages 12–13.

AchieveTexas in Action: Ensuring Success for Every Student ©2013 by the Texas Education Agency. All rights reserved.

AchieveTexas At a Glance The Concept Students can succeed in school, career, and life if they plan their own individual programs of study for secondary and postsecondary education.

The Philosophy No secondary or postsecondary option is intrinsically better than another. Whether a choice is right or not depends on the personal objectives of the student.

The Goal To prepare students for college and career, and to allow students to choose an education plan that is best for their goals and talents.

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THE VISION

AchieveTexas

Spans All Grades.

The AchieveTexas vision includes all grades. The idea is to provide students with a wide variety of career-related activities, resources, and opportunities during elementary and middle school, so that by high school they are better prepared to make an informed decision about what cluster best fits their personal interests, talents, and career goals.

T

he intent isn’t to force children to make specific career choices, but instead provide them with information about the array of career options. Through the career clusters and programs of study, students will begin to see the relevance of a strong academic foundation to their personal career goals.

Here’s what AchieveTexas can bring to each level of education: Elementary School Career Awareness: Schools incorporate age-appropriate activities to help students begin to think about what they might want to do when they grow up.

For example, an exploration of the Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security cluster might include a field trip to the local firehouse to meet the people who work there and see the fire trucks and equipment. Elementary school educators could talk about their personal experiences in Education & Training and how they decided to become teachers. Parents might get involved by sharing information about their careers during a career fair or classroom presentation.

Through career awareness, children won’t be encouraged to pursue a particular career cluster. Instead, they will begin to develop a basic understanding of all

F U N D I N G A

chieveTexas supports the goals of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. The legislation includes an increased focus on the academic achievement of career and technical education students, strengthens connections between secondary and postsecondary education, and improves state and local accountability. Schools receiving Perkins money are required to implement at least three programs of study in at least three different clusters.

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the clusters, how clusters relate to all the school subjects, and what professions might interest them in the future.

Middle School Career Exploration: Building on Career Awareness activities in elementary school, students are given opportunities in middle school to research careers of personal interest.

For example, a computer class could include time to investigate specific careers in the Information Technology cluster.

Educators could also partner with local business and community leaders to provide job shadowing experiences and site tours for students. A “Take Your Child to Work Day” might give students firsthand knowledge of their parents’ careers.

Students could then share their experiences with their classmates through oral, written, and multimedia presentations.

As with the Career Awareness approach, the goal is to continue many of the activities schools are already conducting, but to include them as a critical component of the middle school curriculum. The school district could provide age-appropriate career assessments with a comprehensive college/career software system. These experiences will better prepare students to develop their Texas Achievement Plans (TAPs, or comprehensive education plans) during the eighth grade (see page 4).

.

Empowers Students.

Achievetexas PREPARATION FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER. High School Career Concentration: Armed with the career information learned during elementary and middle school, students are prepared to select an initial career cluster and program of study, and create their Texas Achievement Plan (TAP) for high school and beyond. Because students see how their high school courses relate to real careers and postsecondary opportunities, they remain more motivated and engaged, especially with the support of every administrator, teacher, and counselor on their campus. Students should have the opportunity to review and revise their plans at least once each year.

Postsecondary Education or Training Career Preparation: AchieveTexas doesn’t end with high school graduation. Postsecondary education is the primary time for students to get serious about preparing for a career and employment. With a clear goal in mind, students start focused career preparation by attending a two-year college or four-year university, joining the military, participating in an apprenticeship, or on-the-job training.

Lifelong Learning Career Advancement: In today’s world, individuals need to keep learning throughout their lifetimes to remain competitive in their career.

Continuing education and career advancement are integral parts of the AchieveTexas initiative. By becoming a lifelong learner, every Texas citizen can reach his or her highest potential for personal and professional success.

HOT Career Areas Texas launched a strategic plan targeting state efforts on six industry clusters that economists say will be the engines of economic growth in Texas.

As you plan your future, think about a career in one of these new and emerging sectors.

• Advanced Technologies & Manufacturing - Molecular technologist - Sensor/robotics engineer • Aerospace & Defense - Aerospace engineer - Unmanned autonomous vehicle engineer • Biotechnology & Life Sciences - Bioinformatics specialist - Biocontainment technician • Information & Computer Technology - System integrator - Computer game developer • Petroleum Refining & Chemical Products - Petrochemical engineer - Refinery process design engineer • Energy - Wind/solar energy engineer - Geophysical (oil and gas) prospector

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TEX AS ACHIEVEMENT PLAN

TAP Steps for Counselors A TAP, or Texas Achievement Plan, is a flexible, comprehensive college and career education plan based on career clusters and programs of study. It includes high school courses, extended learning opportunities, postsecondary education, all connected to personal career objectives.

T

he goal of AchieveTexas is to have every eighth grader create a TAP, which is reviewed each year and revised as necessary.

The benefits of implementing the TAP for students is that it helps them develop a direction through secondary and postsecondary education; it’s adjustable for students to change their mind; and allows students to take responsibility for their own path and assemble a plan of action for success.

TAP development is supported by going to www.AchieveTexas.org and downloading the Texas Education Agency’s programs of study for preparing for different kinds of occupations.

Step-by-step While the TAP contains lots of information, it’s fairly simple to complete once the student chooses a career cluster and program of study. Follow this step-by-step guide as you help students create their TAPs.

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Step One: Ask students to Page 4prepare in advance.

Equip students with the resources

to begin developing their personalized program of study.

School counselors have access to plenty of resources designed to help students take responsibility for their own college and career research and planning.

To help facilitate the TAP process, encourage your students to use the helpful tools that follow.

■■ The AchieveTexas website (www.

AchieveTexas.org) includes descriptions of the 16 national career clusters and programs of study.

■■ All 16 AchieveTexas in Action college and career planning guides are essential reading for students. These studentfriendly publications were created especially for Texas students and parents, and offer valuable information about careers, salaries, education, and future options. Students can review the guides for free at www.AchieveTexas.org.

■■ Online career assessments such as the Kuder (www.kuder.com), Bridges (www. bridges.com), Career Cruising (www. careercruising.com), COIN (www.coinedu. com), and Myers-Briggs (www.myersbriggs. org) assessments help students identify their strengths, interests, and goals.

■■ Texas CARES World of Work at www. texascaresonline.com/wowmenu.asp is a free comprehensive resource provided by Texas’ LMCI. ■■ O*NET (Occupational Information Network) at www.onetcenter.org provides information on occupations, compensation, employment prospects, and skill matching.

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Step Two: Help students choose a cluster.

Match student strengths and interests to related careers.

Although it may seem more logical to ask a student to specify a career goal first, selection of a cluster that interests him or her will make the process less intimidating. Within each cluster are more focused programs of study, which lead to specific careers. By choosing a cluster first, a student has more opportunities to explore the various career options available.

Of course, some students and parents may be wary of selecting a specific career cluster in eighth grade. Reassure them that the cluster choice can be changed at any time, and that the entire TAP will be reviewed, and revised, as needed.

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Step Three: Help students pick a program of study.

Refer to the State-recognized programs of study for suggested academic courses, career electives, and postsecondary options.

A student’s choice of cluster will determine which programs of study are available. The AchieveTexas website at www.achievetexas.org is a handy online tool to refer to as you discuss a student’s options. To locate the programs of study for the student’s chosen cluster, choose “Programs of Study” from the menu at left, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click on the appropriate career cluster icon.

Each program of study meets the State’s recommended high school graduation requirements, and they also can easily be adapted to meet the State’s Distinguished Achievement Program graduation requirements.

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Step Four: Help students identify a career goal.

Communicate to students that working toward a tangible result makes school more relevant.

No one is asking—or expecting—students to commit to specific careers in high school.

The idea is to get students thinking and planning, so that high school becomes more relevant to their future , and students can take full advantage of the many career-related electives.

Setting a career goal is also a great way to launch a realistic discussion about what educational preparation, work experience, talents, and commitment are required for specific professions.

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Step Five: Help students identify a postsecondary goal.

Reinforce the value of lifelong learning by planning for education and training after high school.

For students, postsecondary goals represent the payoff for all their hard work in high school. Students who state a goal—whether it is attending a four-year university or twoyear college, joining the military, entering an apprenticeship, or starting employment—are motivated to do their best.

The idea of AchieveTexas is that every student will graduate prepared for college and career. While starting college immediately after high school may not be the right choice for everyone, it should be an option available to every high school graduate.

requirement, math, science, English, and social studies courses must be taken each year.

More slots will automatically be filled with foreign language classes—a minimum of two classes for all students, and at least three to meet the Distinguished Achievement Program requirements. The other State requirements— fine arts, speech, and PE (or equivalent) will fill in most of the remaining course selections.

The options for elective courses depend on the student’s career goals and personal interests. This is where students can begin to get the education needed to prepare for the career of their choice.

Although the idea is to focus academics and electives within a cluster and program of study whenever possible, AchieveTexas does not force students to abandon other pursuits and passions. Varsity sports, band, choir, art, and other electives are still options for every student.

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Step Seven: Encourage extended learning activities.

Show students how out-of-class experiences enhance and expand curriculum.

The TAP includes space for students to choose extended learning activities they plan to participate in during high school.

For example, students should list the career and technical student organizations (CTSOs) related to their clusters. Explain to students how extended learning activities— including clubs, community service projects, and paid and unpaid career learning experiences—can help them prepare for their career goals.

CreatING Career PortfolioS

S

tudent career portfolios certainly come in handy when counselors are asked to write college, scholarship, or job recommendations. A portfolio documents a student’s achievements and can include transcripts and grades; graded writing samples; award certificates; recommendation letters; and even multimedia examples of a student’s artistic, athletic, communication, or technical talents.

Many Texas schools have students create online career portfolios as part of their class.

At other schools, portfolio building is one of the services offered at the career center.

Although counselors aren’t responsible for helping students create portfolios, they are encouraged to emphasize to both students and parents the benefits of documenting student achievements.

Keep sample portfolios in your office to show students, and work with your administration and faculty to develop a process for helping each student build a career portfolio.

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Step Six: Help students design a course schedule.

Explain that rigorous academic and relevant career classes ensure students can achieve their goals.

Ideally, every student’s schedule will accommodate a rigorous and relevant combination of academic and elective courses.

The first courses to select are the 16 core classes for grades 9–12. Under the State’s 4x4 Page 5

special needs

TAP

for the

Special Needs Student

E

very aspect of AchieveTexas is accessible to special needs students. The TAP combines components of the IEP (Individual Education Plan) and the ITP (Individual Transition Plan), which address the student’s need to move successfully from school to postsecondary activities. There is no need to create a new document because the TAP (see pages 4–5) can be adapted to include all aspects of the IEP and ITP.

EVERY ASPECT Of AchieveTexas is accessible to special needs students.

For special education students, the TAP is created by the student in partnership with the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee (www.thearcoftexas.org and click on the Resources menu for the new IDEA 2012 Manual) . The ARD committee, which includes the student’s parents and school personnel, determines a student’s eligibility to receive special education services and develops the secondary and postsecondary education plans.

Parents of special needs students are encouraged to actively participate in the ARD meetings.

In addition to following the plan outlined in the TAP or the combination IEP and ITP, special education students in Texas are expected to graduate with the ability to Page 6

communicate to employers, professors, and others, and ask for appropriate accommodation. The Summary of Performance (SOP) document is a tool outlining the special education student’s strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and required accommodations. Special education students in Texas receive the SOP when they graduate. As part of AchieveTexas, case managers—including special education teachers and counselors— are encouraged to work directly with the students to ensure they understand and can communicate the contents of the SOP.

Parents of special needs students can help in the career awareness process by partnering with business associates, friends, and family to offer job shadowing and internship opportunities for their children in a supportive setting.

Clusters and Programs of study

16 Career Clusters Guidance Tools for Counselors

A

chieveTexas organizes learning around career clusters such as Information Technology and Health Science.

Each cluster has multiple programs of study (see page 8).

For counselors, career clusters are an essential guidance tool designed to help students plan their educational experiences on the basis of their personal career goals.

Texas has adopted the 16 federal career clusters, and within these clusters are 79 different programs of study. Local districts in Texas are free to select which clusters and programs of study to offer depending on the needs of the students, community, and local economy.

Although some schools will not be able to offer all clusters, counselors and teachers are encouraged to use online resources and all 16 editions of AchieveTexas in Action to promote student awareness of all career opportunities.

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Clusters and Programs of study

Programs of Study Texas has based the 16 career clusters and programs of study below on those developed by the U.S. Department of Education. Detailed information on each cluster—including sample jobs, projected job growth, and salary range—is available in the 16 editions of AchieveTexas in Action, at www.AchieveTexas.org, and at www.careertech.org.

C L U S T E R

C L U S T E R

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Business Management & Administration

Agribusiness Systems

Administrative & Information Support

Animal Systems

Business Analysis

Environmental Service Systems

Business Financial Mgmt. & Accounting

Food Products & Processing Systems

Human Resources

Natural Resources Systems

Management

Plant Systems

Marketing

Power, Structural & Technical Systems Biotechnology

C L U S T E R

Education & Training

C L U S T E R

Administration & Administrative Support

Architecture & Construction

Professional Support Services

Construction

Teaching & Training

Design / Pre-Construction Maintenance / Operations

C L U S T E R

C L U S T E R

Finance Banking & Related Services

Arts, A/V Technology & Communications

Business Financial Management

Audio, Video Technology, Film

Financial & Investment Planning

Journalism & Broadcasting Braodcasting

Insurance Services

Performing Arts Printing Technology Visual Arts

C L U S T E R

Government & Public Administration Foreign Service Governance National Security Planning Public Management & Administration Regulation

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Revenue & Taxation

C L U S T E R

C L U S T E R

Health Science

Manufacturing

Biotechnology Research & Development

Health, Safety, and Environmental Assurance

Diagnostic Services

Logistics and Inventory Control

Health Informatics

Maintenance, Installation, and Repair

Support Services

Manufacturing Production Process Development

Therapeutic Services

Production Quality Assurance

C L U S T E R

Hospitality & Tourism C L U S T E R

Lodging

Marketing

Recreation, Amusements & Attractions

Buying & Merchandising

Restaurants & Food/Beverage Services Travel & Tourism

Distribution & Logistics E-Marketing Management & Entrepreneurship

C L U S T E R

Human Services Consumer Services Counseling & Mental Health Services

Marketing Communications & Promotion Marketing Information Mgmt. & Research Professional Sales & Marketing

Early Childhood Development & Services Family & Community Services Personal Care Services

C L U S T E R

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Engineering and Technology Engineering and Technology--Project Lead the Way

C L U S T E R

Information Technology

Science and Math

Information Support & Services Web & Digital Media Network Systems Programming & Software Development

C L U S T E R

Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security Correction Services

C L U S T E R

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Facility & Mobile Equipment Maintenance Health, Safety, & Environmental Management Logistics Planning & Management Services Sales & Service Transportation Operations

Emergency and Fire Mgmt. Services

Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management, & Regulation

Law Enforcement Services

Warehousing & Distribution Center Operations

Legal Services Security and Protective Services

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Each AchieveTexas in Action college and career planning T guide includes information, charts, and graphics designed to give students a clearer picture of the world of work. Below are sample sections from the guides, plus brief explanations of how to share the information with students.

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Page 6

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y hers, man year eder great teac as from the Animal Bre l Manager ources in Texcentage of growth anged by is not for r Agricultura s Natural Res r e ay Issues n’s lives are often ch ucation. “Education h, and Othe e P re, Food & Note that while the per r ission. s ltu a er mm ricu re Co C Ag Farm, Ranc e . ca in ildre in ed careers ing occupation as Workforc nced wages for fast-growingjobs created in each y be low. Source : Tex Because ch tracted to careers el Experiege tta. While jection of 10 ma Top-Pay y more.” new Wa Entry-Lev This is a pro2 and the number of mber of jobs created ts are at jean-Perro e other jobs that pa en ge es Average ud D Wa nu d st 201 ys ual to 2 sa act 200 Wage be high, the surance, an there ar though,” $69.80 in jobs may everyone, “have gotten better, b security, health in often say $19.52 n n rs e jo io he $53.04 th at , ac 5.98 er uc te Occupatio , $5 ev ed er w in ev ho $21.87 adds. How educators, dary $44.61 r, Postsecon a plus, she For many $48.72 dary law Teache nefits are est reward. starting salary Postsecon $28.40 tirement be udents is their bigg re s Teacher, age 5 tie er 1.9 ial av $4 ec e Sp ys th achers in health ing st acher, $45.81 heology Te enlighten Education Agency sa erage salaries for te to $45,000. gy and Arc $32.54 00. Av Anthropolo Texas $35,000 3,1 e 1.39 ry $4 $3 Th da om is fr on e e ec 4 at ng Posts $39.7 rs in the st tor, (K–12) ra $25.40 Administra for teache h grade 12 e of $47,773. $34.96 educationry and high School $41.31 en throug erag r. K–12 elementa ondary $18.09 kindergart sity earn an av this cluste rs in 7 her, Postsec ne ey 3.5 ac ai Te $3 on 7 and univer tr ce ien $38.5 ry library Sc Corporate tors earn the most m those at the college stseconda $19.32 le Teacher, Po 5 ra hi sic 2.1 ist w mu $3 in 6, d an Adm e $64,26 $37.42 dary Art, drama, tors averag r, Postsecon $18.08 tions Teache administra $30.98 40. Law communica erage $93,1 $37.24 av el d an r lev 6 about ce he 8.1 sti rn ac $1 criminal Jucement college Te essors ea $30.88 school prof generally they law enfor $33.01 t bu ge and econdary , 1 ua 00 2.9 ng ,0 $2 la 10 $1 ing foreign e Teacher, Posts $29.64 and practic acher, as. literatur ucation Te are trained cluster in Tex nificant sig Technical ed & Trainingerienced workers d ith an tion r w uca s ree Ed g ey ca s in the r and exp School attorn their ying career rage worke Accordin Secondary addition to of the top-pa than pay for the ave iS $38,857, er wages for 10 income in S rt of hourly ges are often much low mmission. s. cha XA a is rie Te is la Co Th orce level wa To The teaching sa Texas Workf how entry13.7%

ard s for Stand SOC: Stand l Code, which Occupationa like the U.S. ns organizatio of Labor use to t Departmen reer information. ca categorize u can find data on yo Sometimes by searching for ter a career fas

Sion. e commiS WorKforc

t Hydrologis

19-2043

r Geographe

19-3092

gist and Anthropolo iences M Sc Natural

19-3091 11-9121

g Mana Engineerin

11-9041

Chemist

19-2031

ric and Atmosphe

19-2021

eer Civil Engin

17-2051

Eng Petroleum

17-2171

En Aerospace

17-2011

al E Biomedic

17-2031 17-2021

al Agricultur

17-1021

h Cartograp

17-2111

d Health an

19-4021 Source: rkforce Texas Wo ion (TWC) Commiss

pling chart is a sam Note: This in the cluster, of careers mendations from not recom other agency TWC or any ion. Always do or organizat earch and consult thorough res ents/guardians choice. with your par king a career before ma

els Role Mod ators are uc t be of high Because ed ge y, they mus stricts do ith the hu and societ w d te . School di cing lives tta entrus en ro flu er in -P esjean ility of responsib ter,” says D ployees. to be the and charac chers have tential em “integrity ecks on po jean-Perrotta, is “tea ildren.” Whether ch nd ou es ch D ur backgr ys yo sa t e, us tr ttom lin uld en fessor, or

Biologica

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19-4091 19-4031 17-3031 43-5111

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Weig

25 Career Choices Each guide features a table that shows 25 occupations within the cluster. This is intended as a sampling of careers, and is a valuable tool for counselors to use when discussing the importance of education in achieving career goals. Here is a guide to the columns in each table: ■■ SOC: Standard Occupational Code,

which the U.S. Department of Labor uses to categorize career information.

■■ Growth: This shows the projected

annual growth in Texas for the career between 2010 and 2020.

10.

ve Do you ha a perfectly ng clean drivi record?

■■ Openings: This is the projected number

■■ Wages: This is the average amount a

person in the career earns in Texas per year.

■■ Education: The type shows the

preferred level of educational attainment for people working in the career in the United States. The bright color bars show percentages of people in the profession with a high school diploma, some college, and a four-year degree or better.

The blue bar shows the percentage of people who have a four-year college degree or better, the gold bar shows the percentage of people with some college, and the red bar indicates high school diplomas or less.

■■ Job Description: These are brief

descriptions of each career from O*Net Online (www.onetcenter.org).

Encourage students to look at the color bars to get a clearer picture of what it takes to pursue a career in professions that interest them.

of job openings each year for the career in Texas.

tics a m e h t a M ing & r e e n i g n ogy, E l o n h c e T nce,

ls. ucation leve different ed at u yo to e labl pations avai in each column. ific riety of occu ted a more spec ory. owing the va of information presen nt sh ve g in in t pl JOB es m er nt kind a sa ION: DESCRIPT ef ation of the they are just bri e cluster— tions. Here’s an explan These are of th in tes.

Sta ns d ite tio bi op am er scriptions m in the Un de d r re ree an ca ca s e nt r fro in the all th tale Better each caree e le working ese are not es that best fit your College or nt for peop ars of college. lin ye al attainme O*NET On me College s cluster. Th of e on ing several enter.org). of education hool So Percentage Mathematic oice and decide on th (www.onetc & ferred level a doctoral degree tak working High Sc g in the ntage of pre lly in le rce tua um op er Pe ac pe to nim ne le op of ining the mi ur ch , Engi Percentage ained by pe el of N: This is -the-job tra people in the profession Technology ns in the cluster of yo on levels att , that means that lev ample, n in the e, EDUCATIO from short-term on ati a le tio e nc uc op pa ie hav ed pe cu o of oc ex Sc wh ge e ist, for the mix one color lege This can ran ount occupation es mostly microbiolog s in the bar bars show who have nsider in th search all career optio four-year col tter is is the am : The color right). If a bar featur profession. Look at who have re three color education some you might co WAGES: Th rson in the N LE VELS rs at degree or be all pe better. If the work in the EDUCATIO n in Texas (see ba 25 careers e inside back cover to at most highas college to reach to s a college degree or fession for people of school the average in Texas per sio the projectedreer in ed is fes ne l is pro u’l lom Th h th yo : pro dip the ha in school ly the one eryone in the field career earns , entry-level OPENINGS openings for the ca nities in the l technicians have a hig ne Info” on reer r. ucation is like ally job are opportu lly ev

ica ed tte re n, technical e that virtua ng as chem grees or be ans that the ch, productio and you’ll se ual in size, that me nt of the people worki nt have four-year de other resear eq rce estigation or are roughly ample, about 32 perce college, and 29 pe o in clinical inv me ex e r so gag Fo ve . iologists wh En ha els nt lev health. dical microb ile 39 perce ent of human includes me diploma, wh the improvem gi. Category e tion diseases and algae, or fun anc an ia, rip ter adv sc hum to bac of De ch as ng h Job standi duct resear anisms, suc with the under ena. May con .

Levels roscopic org ted phenom earch dealing roorganisms istics of mic Education rgy, and rela Conduct resrelated activities. es to er characters of antibiotics on mic chanical eneheredity. s and theori ent, and oth writing, or ical and me to apply law e or the effect and , developmand ctr ds h, eas ele ure wt tho ir dis uct gro me the , Education str ise anisms, olism, reproduction organisms the growth, ents, and dev the cells and org Investigaterelationship between health of of and experim ed in metab n the les of living ages olv or atio cip inv W e erv ent the prin ns gre al dy nm ctio sic of obs stu enviro s or observations air, Doctoral de ition and phy on the basis ations and rea either the asu Openings rement es and laws mical combin mical compos s that affect me ori che m che ard the x fro Growth p haz the ple d or elo dy ive 24 s Stu ant a der $54,0 g of the com enomena, dev s of pollutact based on dat gree understandin ting source of physical ph 2,550 into the soil, take ion Doctoral de , or eliminady, the phases report, and e of infiltration g, abatingthe 32.8% earch intods. size, stu itation, its rat of identifyin Conduct res $49,757 other fiel luding the purposelines, may collect, syn nsity of precip ccupation and for e inte ry gre tion t ust and de a region, inc iga ind m gis cip 100 miolo Doctoral aspects of eco form investvarious scientific dis study the for nomic cept Epide on physical earch or per of 17.0% face water; ientist, ex ct research social characteristics, Conduct res. Utilizing knowledgerces. und and sur $81,015 Medical Sc mena. Condu of undergroe. luding ulation ter, and other sou eno e inc ties ph a, pop gre per al are de pro tur in 0 her en al ral 20 Docto atmosp sical and cul and physic within a giv . May engage food, soil, wa 24.0% tions of phy circulation, return to the ocean and an activitiesal to global. of the world ist its eting interacimplications of hum civilizations. distribution, loc various parts $95,594 Microbiolog tial g and interpr Research the ranging from the earth, and g people inine the history of earlier spa h atin les stin rel the oug e sca exi e, thr on 0 at of gre fac s ch 10 ent th’s sur conduct resear between region teristics in order to determ movem Master’s de ysicist ls; ce areas of ear sical charac 20.0% and Bioph an cultures, ds. , and use of ls, plants, and animaearch interdependen guage, or phy in these fiel Biochemist m past hum Study nature $71,620 way of life,ylan , climates,alsoiorganization; and res development remaining fro e May study the land forms, and 1,300 research and politic tools or potter humans. ce, and ster’s degre as of , h or ics Ma ies suc avi tist ivit .0% act 28 , and beh material eviden matics, sta ent the pm ma elo h Physicist of es, dev alt n gin, atio al scienc $72,188 luding He these fields. ledge.

Study the orirecovery and examin ences, physic ecialist, inc gree elopment in 150 ducts or know ds as life sci systematic tist and Sp Master’s de earch and dev elop new pro 33.0% ies in such fiel ntal Scien other uses. ineering or res trol or to dev rdinate activit Environme for public and process con cture and eng or sts y hite $62,771 direct, or coo eca alit arc n, for qu as Pla ds ies for orts and gree 0 in laborator ies in such fiel prepare rep bors, Master’s de % experiments rdinate activit and radar to bridges, har , 0.0 al s, coo tes t mic ort or elli , engineers. gis che airp sat ect cal or Plan, dir geotechni ds, railroa,ds, air stations, 3 Hydrolo al analyses nce $47,960 surface and ffic ocean, and es, such as roa itative chemic plus experie 50 ss. a gathered by structural, tra e and quant res and faciliti Bachelor’s ctory progre rological dat ct qualitativ lding structuIncludes architectural, isfa teo .0% bui ndu sat me of 20 Co et r ce and l rpr he ica inte units. rap intenan nce $117,982 ieve econom 2 Geog nomena and ction and mas, and waste disposal plus experie ptability of advice to ach eing constru ospheric phe tem 300 Bachelor’s er ada rse sys atm te off te ove age lua and iga ist and g sew eva , to log Invest drillin ter and 18.0% designing lied research and Archeo $131,586 igns. Oversee in planning,elines, power plants, wa degree opologist basic and app dified tool des Bachelor’s ineering duties jects, pip 2,250 91 Anthr artificial May conduct need for mo Perform eng s, irrigation pro spacecraft. cts, such as ermine the 17.0% r channels, dam $66,837 s and produ missiles, and s Manage ction and det degree tem ft, du ce r’s sys cra pro ien elo ll air lth Sc ch we Ba tural 750 rove oil ical and hea , and testing imp log ing to bio uct 121 Na ds vation, of str tho tion 17.0% ing, con Devise me water conser , and evalua s. $68,145 rk in design manufacture.

Manager degree ures, soil and developmentcare delivery system ineering wo gineering 250 Bachelor’s ation, struct the design, and ft design and variety of eng 9041 En nery, electrific principles tohealth management ent to aircra chi 39.0% al Perform a and ma ipm nic tial data in equ and cha spa 48 biome s, and $84,0 with power materials ps and other degree biology, andal information system emist prepare ma ms concerned ineering, tion 5,400 Bachelor’s medic 2031 Ch tist ltural proble , study, and ge of engtru menta , 22.0% a. Research ply knowled ence to agricu ins Space Scien Ap dat 6 sci s, d l te S). ,56 an ese elli ica (GI 26 s sth log sat ric $1 phs, and c information system degree mosphe organs, pro logy and bio ial photogra 2,400 Bachelor’s phi -2021 At ering techno safety laws. with geogra ic surveys, aer dge of engine 28.0% al products. rial health and calculate ed by geodetpurposes. May work Apply knowle eer $92,236 y, and indust g of agricultur ervations, and ation provid gree Civil Engin try, psycholog and processin al, and design phic informedu s, make obs mis ion 450 ent gra che cat chelor’s de 7-2051 geo s, erim Ba et interpr social, political, 2% , mechanic monitor exp and , 17. ses e, ent r lyz ces ipm al, ee pro ana l Engin Collect, graphic form for leg nts and equ to determine of industria $60,627 Petroleum try. knowledge tory instrume r, and tissue, degree digital or 150 17-2171 or biochemis by applying intain labora as fiber, hai Bachelor’s e, and madru duct safety handwriting, nces, such 30.0% gs. gineer t up, operat ist or rksite or pro ns or substalistics, fingerprinting, ental scient rospace En on weaposuc oratories. Seh as blood, food, and Promote wo $104,222 bal ts Ae nm lab iro as tes in h e env rm 11 ists suc rfo gre an , of de 17-20 s. Pe al scient anic substances, 50 a of expertise Bachelor’s der direction l and medic l investigation cialists in are 50.0% t biologicault eer to criminaser analyze org ect health. Un spe d y sis aff gin as t ate As Ma En as rel s. ve tha h al ce se y suc res den $51,432 Biomedic luding tho as assigned. and record for purposes s in court. Ma e physical evi degree pollution, inc 17-2031 and analyz actions 150 expert witnes Bachelor’s eous materials sources oftak fy, classify, e corrective y testify as ids, and gas r investigate 33.0% Collect, idecentito investigation. Ma boundary of solids, liqu nment and terials for testing and al Enginee $80,181 r the enviro ive analysesndards.

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Cartograp y tests to ces s degree specialist, ma 95 ses, quality Mining Sa rce cartographer al laborator 17-1021 Associate’ teness of top and physic a surveyor,create maps from sou .9% ducts or pro eer, except ple al of 23 pro gin com mic ion En new ect y and che l. of dir cy rica d Safet Conduct and development under theaki rmation and $39,859 primarily cle y verify accura Health an ties, usually pm ng info s degree research s. Duties are features. Ma 600 17-2111 culate maari mapping du Associate’ evant record es, and other veying and er purposes. May cal 24.0% of keeping rel itical bound chnician oth Perform sur the purpose logical Te mining, orogr l features, pol for $42,301 n, Bio ica ent atio aph e 1 ipm loc 02 gre s de w top 19-4 400 plies, and equ Associate’ maps to sho nician materials, sup 31.0% ience Tech re, and check $47,143 Forensic Sc Weigh, measu training nician 19-4092 450 on-the-job ction Tech ote erm Pr e-t d rat an ce Mode 8.0% ntal Scien g Environme $32,242 training 19-4091 on-the-job 2,100 Short-term 22.0% chnician Te l 15 ica 6,2 em $2 -4031 Ch 19 0 55 ian nsult 8.0% ing Technic ns and Mapp hoice. ing Surveying cord Keep 17-3031 mpler, Re Sa d an asurer, Weigher, Me 43-5111

ard s for Stand ich l Code, wh . s like the U.S to e us t of Labor ation. career inform data on d fin n ca u s yo arching for aster by se

: This is the h GROW TH nual growt projected an career the for s xa Te in 20.

10 and 20 20 n betwee tions ng occupa Fast-growi ater career may offer gre for young ies opportunit adults.

number of ar. Even though a ca be ye not Texas each there may with t growing, may be fas ble. Careers l ve ions availa a lot of posit s will give an entry-le job a ing more open r chance of getting tte be a r rke . wo r job security and greate

year. Natur er than the low wages are those for workers d average, an experience are of with years her. generally hig

Page 11

COUNSELOR FAQ

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions about AchieveTexas

S

chool counselors are playing a major role in making AchieveTexas a reality for Texas students. As AchieveTexas evolves, so too will the role of the school counselor. Although no one can predict all the questions counselors will face in implementing AchieveTexas, the following answers may be helpful.

For AchieveTexas questions that are not addressed here, please contact the Texas School Counselors at Work (TCN) at www. texascounselors.net.

find ways to lower student-to-counselor ratios to reduce counselor workloads. One way to accomplish this is to have teachers take a more active role in advising students about college and career choices.

Becoming the most effective college and career counselor you can be begins with having the time to do a great job.

Q: Will implementing AchieveTexas create more work for counselors who already have limited time with students?

Answer: Implementing AchieveTexas will be a perfect starting point for successfully updating the Model Comprehensive, Developmental Guidance, and Counseling Program required by Texas Education Code (TEC) 33.005.

AchieveTexas meets TEC 28.0212 regarding Personal Graduation Plans (PGPs) and TEC 33.007—Counseling Public School Students Regarding Higher Education.

The four core components of TEC 33.005 (listed below) also form the foundation of AchieveTexas. As AchieveTexas is implemented, ongoing meetings involving feedback and input from counselors will help ensure that these four goals are met: 1) A guidance curriculum to help students develop their full educational and career potential.

2) A responsive services component to intervene on behalf of any student whose personal concerns or problems put the student’s continued educational, career, personal, or social development at risk.

Answer: No. AchieveTexas doesn’t require additional time. Instead, it offers the tools and support counselors need to help students make informed education and career choices.

For counselors, AchieveTexas represents an opportunity to focus on quality college and career counseling. State, district, and school administrators understand that counselors need to have adequate time to help students take charge of their future.

Realigning responsibilities to ensure that counselors can focus on guidance is part of the challenge of implementation. It may take some time to work out the details, but the ultimate goal is to eliminate, or significantly limit, the non-advising duties that counselors are asked to perform.

In addition, schools have been asked to Page 12

Q: How does AchieveTexas relate to the counselors’ comprehensive guidance plan?

3) An individual planning system to guide the student in planning, monitoring, and managing his or her educational, career, personal, and social development.

4) System support to back the efforts of teachers, staff, parents, and other members of the community in promoting the educational, career, personal, and social development of students.

Q: How is the Texas

Achievement Plan (TAP) different from the fouryear high school graduation plan counselors create with students?

Answer: The Texas Achievement Plan is a six- to eight-year plan, which has been developed to enhance the four-year high school graduation plan the counselor utilizes to help each student meet their graduation requirements. If you are already doing fouryear graduation plans with your students, there is no need to create two documents.

Instead, you can adapt your current plans to fit the AchieveTexas TAP guidelines (outlined on pages 4–5).

One difference between the TAP and traditional four-year graduation plans is the addition of the career cluster and related program of study information. The TAP encompasses the four years of high school and two or more years of postsecondary education or training. Students are asked to choose a specific cluster and program of study that meets their unique interests and

EVERY TEXAS Student PREPARED FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER SUCCESS. goals. The programs of study (available at www.AchieveTexas.org) developed by the State show students the recommended courses to take, plus the appropriate postsecondary programs of study, extended learning options, and extracurricular opportunities.

To make creating the TAP easier, Excel files are available for counselors to download (check www.AchieveTexas. org). The programs of study provide the recommended courses in response to the student’s choices, and can be locally customized. Counselors, however, are not required to use this version. You can choose to update your current graduation plan document, or create your own version of the TAP. Q: Does AchieveTexas replace articulated credit programs in Texas?

Answer: No. AchieveTexas and articulated credit programs are separate initiatives.

The introduction of AchieveTexas is not going to eliminate, replace, or negatively affect the articulated credit program. In fact, implementing AchieveTexas should be easier for schools that have articulated credit programs, because career planning, articulation agreements, extended learning opportunities, and career and technical student organizations (CTSOs) are already in place.

Q: How is AchieveTexas different from taking a coherent sequence of CTE courses?

Answer: The Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 74.3 (I) requires districts to offer coherent sequences of courses from at least three of the 16 career clusters. A coherent sequence of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses consists of two or more CTE courses for three or more credits. A “coherent sequence of courses” means an educational plan is made up of developmentally appropriate courses suited for a given career objective or goal. This plan builds upon the academic core components and includes school-based learning and work-based learning experiences leading to both academic and occupational competencies.

As you can see, students taking a coherent sequence of CTE courses towards a career goal is right in alignment with the TAP in the AchieveTexas program.

Q: Does AchieveTexas comply with the state’s new 4x4 graduation requirements?

Answer: Yes. In fact, the AchieveTexas TAP is a tool that will help ensure that students complete the 4x4 requirement.

The goal of AchieveTexas is to prepare students for college and career and allow them to choose the options that are best for them.

By taking four academic courses—English, math, science, and social studies—each year,

including a rigorous math and science course during the senior year, all students will be better prepared for postsecondary education and career preparation.

The Excel spreadsheets available at www.AchieveTexas.org were developed to help counselors and students create TAPs which incorporate the 4x4 requirement.

The spreadsheets identify the required 4x4 courses for grades 9 to 12 based on the student’s chosen cluster, program of study, and postsecondary goals.

Q: How will AchieveTexas affect elementary and middle school counselors?

Answer: AchieveTexas spans all grades from elementary through postsecondary.

At the elementary level, counselors will work with teachers and parents to provide age-appropriate Career Awareness activities. At the middle school level, teachers are asked to build age-appropriate Career Exploration components into classes that introduce the concept of career clusters—for example, inviting a parent who is an accountant to talk to the class about his or her job as part of a discussion about the Business Management & Administration cluster.

By building career awareness in kindergarten through grade eight, we will better prepare students to complete their first TAP in eighth grade.

Page 13

talking points

Talking to

Parents about AchieveTexas

Key points for counselors to make when explaining AchieveTexas to parents

T

exas parents want what’s best for their children. Most parents will have questions about the AchieveTexas initiative. Counselors can gain their support by incorporating these “Talking Points for Parents” in information sessions, one-onone conversations, and small group discussions.

1. Connecting Classroom To Careers Students need to cultivate the skills necessary for success in school, career, and life. AchieveTexas connects what students learn in school to what they plan to do in the future. This helps motivate students to succeed, and helps ensure that they have the academic foundation necessary to build the future of their dreams.

2. Every Student Benefits AchieveTexas works for every student.

Whether a child plans to go to college, a university, the military, or employment right after high school, AchieveTexas will provide the rigorous and relevant preparation needed to succeed.

3. Tailored to Fit Each Student Each student is an individual, so it only makes sense that he or she should have an education plan tailored to his or her specific interests and goals. AchieveTexas is all about options. Texas students will be able to design a personalized program that will ensure he or she has the preparation, skills, and experience needed to achieve personal education and career goals.

Page 14

4. Providing Direction With AchieveTexas, students choose a career interest area, called a career cluster, and then a program of study within that cluster. Students will graduate from high school with a clear idea of what they want to pursue, what careers are associated with their interests, and what additional education and experience are required to enter their chosen career field.

5. Taking Responsibility AchieveTexas empowers students to take greater responsibility for their own education and career planning. In partnership with counselors, teachers, and parents, students create a Texas Achievement Plan (TAP). This document maps out the courses, extracurricular activities, and curricular learning activities they will take each year. It includes the student’s postsecondary education goals.

6. Meeting State Standards The TAP will ensure that Texas students meet the state’s Recommended High School Graduation Plan, which meets the course requirements for college admission at any Texas community college or university.

With the TAP, high-achieving students will be able to complete the requirements of the state’s Distinguished Achievement Graduation Program, which includes advanced academic, Advanced Placement, and dual credit courses.

7. Flexibility The TAP is reviewed at least once a year, and can be revised at any time. It is only through career exploration that students can begin to understand what fields might be right—or wrong—for them.

8. Parents Play a Key Role Through AchieveTexas, parents and students partner with counselors and teachers to help each student plan for success. Parents are encouraged to learn more about career clusters by reading the 16 AchieveTexas in Action cluster guides available at www.AchieveTexas.org or from the school counselor. Parents can also visit the classroom to share information about their own careers, initiate career discussions with family and friends who work in a field of interest to their children, and provide input when students create their TAPs.

Talking to

Students about

What students want—and need —to know

W

hen it comes to AchieveTexas, the top question in students’ minds will be “What’s in it for me?” As a school counselor, you have the opportunity not only to explain how AchieveTexas affects course selection and postsecondary plans, but you can also help students see the benefits and possibilities available to them.

Incorporate these “Talking Points for Students” in your discussions with students about AchieveTexas.

1. It’s All About You AchieveTexas puts you in charge of what you learn in school and what you will do after high school graduation. Your parents, teachers, and counselor will offer guidance and support, but you’ll decide what subjects you want to study on the basis of your unique talents, interests, and goals.

Of course, you’ll still have to meet the State’s graduation requirements and give your best effort.

2. Trying On Careers How can adults expect you to know what you want to be when you grow up if you don’t know what career opportunities are available? AchieveTexas lets you explore careers that you think might interest you while you’re still in school. By the time you graduate, you still might not be certain what career you want to pursue, but you will have the education, experience, and information you need to make wise decisions about your future.

AchieveTexas

3. Making School Matter When you choose a career cluster and program of study that match your interests, every day in class you’ll be able to see how what you are learning in school connects to what you want to do after graduation.

Doing your best, being on time, being “on task,” and staying in school all matter more, because you realize that the effort you put into high school will pay off in your future.

4. Making a Plan Getting to make all these choices may seem a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry. Your counselor, teachers, and parents are all here to help. In addition, once you choose a career cluster and program of study, your TAP will automatically start to fill up with the required courses. Your job will be to decide what additional courses and electives you want to take. So it’s not like you have to chart your future in eighth grade when you create your first TAP. The blanks will start to fill in as you make choices, and you can always revise your plan along the way.

5. Getting a Head Start AchieveTexas includes work-based learning opportunities like job shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships. Texas employers are searching for qualified people with experience, proven work skills, and a record of dependability and performance.

Your AchieveTexas work-based learning experiences will make you a more attractive candidate for any job you apply for during your career preparation.

6. Rising to the Top of the Pool College applications are at an all-time high, so it really helps your chances to have the rigorous academic and relevant career experiences that AchieveTexas offers. When college admissions officers look at your application, they will see someone who is prepared to succeed at the postsecondary level and who has a clear vision of what he or she wants to accomplish in school and in life.

7. Making Your Diploma Worth More Every Texas student must fulfill the State’s high school graduation requirements to earn a high school diploma. Raising the bar on what is expected will make everyone’s high school diploma worth more. Every employer and admissions counselor around the nation will know that students who successfully graduate from a Texas high school are well prepared to take on any challenge. They’ll want you because you put in the maximum effort in high school.

Counselors can help students see the OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE THROUGH achievetexas.

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into the community

Spread the Word AchieveTexas is an exciting initiative that can help ignite learning and achievement in your school.

A

s a counselor, you have numerous ways you can help spread the word to students, teachers, parents, and the community about AchieveTexas and actively involve others in combining rigorous academics with relevant career education.

Involve Student Leaders Every school has a core group of students who get things done. They’re bright, energetic, and able to motivate others to get involved. Invite them to an AchieveTexas briefing and ask them to become AchieveTexas ambassadors for your school. Explain the benefits of career clusters and programs of study, answer their questions, and ask for their input on how to implement the initiative at your school.

Your ambassadors could make presentations at school and community programs, and serve as an invaluable peer resource for students.

Parent Programs Use your time at a school Open House, Back-to-School Night, or eighth grade parent orientation to give parents an overview of AchieveTexas. Set up a display with all 16 editions of AchieveTexas in Action and the AchieveTexas poster, so parents can see the information their children are receiving at school, and learn for themselves how career clusters and programs of study work.

Team Spirit Work with your administration and teachers to foster a team approach toward college and career guidance. Since teachers are often the best people to identify a student’s abilities and passions and offer motivation and encouragement, it’s essential to involve them in the advising process. Teachers can easily incorporate career awareness and exploration into class projects.

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Community Partners Let the business and industry leaders in your community know what your school is doing to better prepare students for success in the 21st-century marketplace. The future prosperity of the entire community is directly connected to what is happening in your school today, so they’ll want to hear about the college and career initiative.

Volunteer to speak about AchieveTexas at a local civic club.

Host an AchieveTexas breakfast at the school for business leaders. Encourage business and industry to get involved through job shadowing, internships, mentoring, and other extended learning experiences.

Speak Up Effective communication is the key to success in any project. Use all of the tools available—email, newsletters, community newspapers, school announcements, parent letters, school website, bulletin boards, posters—to let your students, parents, teachers, and community know about AchieveTexas. Focus on the basics and promote the benefits.

Include your contact information so people can follow up with questions.

Make Materials Available to Students There are 16 college and career planning guides of AchieveTexas in Action available for Texas students. Work with your teachers and administration to develop the most effective method for distributing these materials. For example, make the college and career planning guides part of the information packet students and parents receive at eighth grade high school planning, or have teachers distribute and discuss the guides related to their subject areas. The goal is to give every student the opportunity to learn about postsecondary education and careers in all 16 clusters, even if not all the clusters are available through your school.

Resources

Counselor Resources Useful career guidance resources for Texas school counselors ACHIEVETEXAS Texas College & Career Readiness Program www.txccrs.org The Texas College & Career Readiness Program is developing and implementing educational standards that reflect what high school graduates must know in order to be successful in higher education and beyond.

AchieveTexas www.AchieveTexas.org The official AchieveTexas site offers tools and tips for counselors, including resources for the Texas career clusters and programs of study.

Governor’s Industry Cluster Initiative www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/press/ initiatives/Industry_Cluster/Industry_ Cluster_SP/view This site defines the six industry clusters for economic development identified by the State of Texas to better position the State to compete nationally and internationally for jobs of the 21st century.

CAREER EXPLORATION CareerOneStop--Pathways to Career Success www.careeronestop.org Use this site to search for occupational information, industry information, and state-specific labor market information.

O*NET (Occupational Information Network) www.onetcenter.org O*NET provides full information on occupations, including state-by-state compensation data, employment prospects, and skill matching for students.

Texas Reality Check www.texasrealitycheck.com This site encourages students to build a lifestyle budget and then determine the education generally required in order to pursue the careers as well as the salary they require to support their planned living expenses.

U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook www.bls.gov/oco An invaluable resource for both counselors and students, this federal site offers updated information on careers, job responsibilities and working conditions, earnings, and future hiring projections.

Career Discovery www.careerxplorer.com/career-discovery/ index.html This site is a system of career interest and self-assessment cards that provide users with a quick overview of industries, occupations, and educational options that match their strongest interests, skills, values, and personal characteristics. The system correlates with the 16 career clusters.

CAREER COUNSELING Texas Workforce: Labor Market Career Information (LMCI) www.cdr.state.tx.us This site includes materials, tools, and information designed to help Texas counselors and teachers provide effective career counseling to students.

TEXAS COUNSELOR SITES Texas Education Agency (TEA) School Guidance and Counseling Home Page www.tea.state.tx.us/guidance_counseling.html Stay updated on the latest school guidance and counseling news in the state. This site includes conference information, counseling resources, certification requirements, legislative updates, and much more.

Texas Counseling Association (TCA) www.txca.org The Texas Counseling Association is an association of professional counselors that provides leadership, service, and advocacy and that promotes education and ethical standards. Counselors are encouraged to attend the TCA’s annual conferences and workshops.

My Next Move www.mynextmove.org This site is a U.S. Department of Labor career search site that allows users to search for careers by keyword, industry, and interest.

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planning for the future

AchieveTexas Career Clusters Processing, production, distribution, and development of agricultural commodities and natural resources

Designing, managing, building, and maintaining the built environment

Creating, exhibiting, performing, and publishing multimedia content

Organizing, directing, and evaluating functions essential to productive business operations

Providing education and training services, and related learning support services

Financial and investment planning, banking, insurance, and business financial management

Executing governmental functions at the local, state, and federal levels

Providing diagnostic and therapeutic services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research

Managing restaurants and other food services, lodging, attractions, recreation events, and travel-related services

Providing for families and serving human needs

Designing, supporting, and managing hardware, software, multimedia, and systems integration

Providing legal, public safety, protective, and homeland security services

Processing materials into intermediate or final products

Performing marketing activities to reach organizational objectives

Performing scientific research and professional and technical services

Managing movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail, and water

The career clusters icons above are used with permission of the States’ Career Clusters Initiative, 2007. For more information, visit www.careertech.org.

About AchieveTexas You may have seen the name AchieveTexas on the cover of this magazine. What exactly is that?

Well, AchieveTexas is the name of Texas’s college and career education initiative. The idea behind it is simple: planning for the future so that students achieve lifelong success. As AchieveTexas is implemented, students will see how subjects such as English, math, science, and social studies are relevant to their personal college and career goals. Students will get the chance to begin a plan that gets them where they want to go in life. Students will have the opportunity to take courses and engage in extended learning experiences that give them marketable skills. Best of all, students will take charge of their future.

It is the policy of the Texas Education Agency not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in its career and technical education programs, services, or activities.

AchieveTexas in Action is developed by A3 Creative Group (www.A3CreativeGroup.com) under a contract from Texas Tech University and the Texas Education Agency.