EL SEGUNDO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

EL SEGUNDO HIGH SCHOOL

COURSE OF STUDY

Course Title: Career Explorations

Department: Social Studies

Grade Levels: 9

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to give an overview of the skills and competencies necessary for students to prepare for and compete in the world of work combining their education, skills and personal qualities.

Students will continue to develop Basic Skills such as reading, writing, arithmetic, speaking and listening; Thinking Skills such as thinking creatively, making decisions, solving problems, knowing how to learn, and reasoning; Personal Qualities such as individual responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management and integrity.

The competencies that we will build on are Resources such as allocating time, money, and materials; Interpersonal Skills such as working on teams, teaching others, leading, negotiating and working with people from culturally diverse backgrounds; Information such as acquiring and evaluating data, organizing and maintaining files, interpreting and communicating, and use computers to process information; Technology such as applying technology to specific tasks.

These skills and competencies will be explored through the content of careers, computers and study skills.

Students will also study human reproduction.

Length: 18 weeks – one semester

Prerequisite for Enrollment: Ninth grade standing

Recommendation for Enrollment: Required ninth grade course

Type of Course: Required for high school graduation

COURSE OUTLINE AND STANDARDS

Based on the ESHS Standards and the State Requirement for Health

1.0 Students identify personal long and short term goals.

1.1 Students explore personal attitudes, interests and abilities.

1.2 Complete career inventory. (Personal/Social Development)

2.0 Students demonstrate the ability to research career of choice.

2.1 Determine education required.

2.2 Locate colleges or trade schools related to career field

2.3 Identify duties and responsibilities (Critical Thinking/Problem Solving)

3.0 Students interview someone in their desired career. (Effective Communication)

4.0 Students adjust career goals as necessary. (Integration of Core Knowledge)

5.0 Students conduct a career oral presentation. (Effective Communication)

6.0 Students demonstrate basic computer operation proficiency.

6.1 Students demonstrate general software and hardware use.

6.2 Students use word processor and spreadsheet program to create documents.

6.3 Students use the internet to research and prepare information for projects and class work. (Integration of Core Knowledge)

7.0 Students learn and implement study skills.

7.1 Students explore ways to manage time.

7.2 Students develop listening, reading, note taking and test taking skills.

7.3 Students learn and present oral presentations. (Personal/Social Development)

8.0 Students identify healthy life choices. They learn facts about nutrition and fitness and understand the body systems. (Personal/Social Development)

9.0 Students develop awareness of the consequences of substance abuse to include alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. (Personal/Social Development)

10.0 Students learn about communicable diseases and their impact on family and society.

(Personal/Social Development)

11.0 Students explore family life issues

11.1 Students examine planned parenthood and contraception.

11.2 Students learn about pregnancy and its impact. (Personal/Social Development)

12.0 Students explore teen issues.

12.1 Students discover eating disorders.

12.2 Students observe the impact of stress upon the body and mind.

(Personal/Social Development)

INSTRUCTION METHODS

A. Demonstration (Effective Communication)

B. Tutorials and Reading of Materials

C. Class work and Homework (Integration of Core Knowledge)

D. Explanation by Instructor and Guided Practice

E. Guest Speakers

F. “Hands On” Experience with Equipment (Personal/Social Development)

G. Individual and Group Decision Making (Personal/Social Development)

H. Videos

EVALUATION/GRADING OF STUDENT WORK

A. Quizzes and Unit Tests

B. Semester Exam

C. Homework and Class Participation

D. Projects

E. Written Essays

F. Oral Presentations

G. Notebook

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

A. Handouts

B. Worksheets

C. Text: Microsoft Office Introductory Concepts and Techniques

D. Computers – students will use computers to produce documents

E. Internet -- used to research career options and health issues

F. Videos

G. Speakers