Explanation
	Careers is a nine week rotation class. Every eighth grade student rotates through this course. Through this class, we hope to introduce students to different career clusters and better prepare them to enter the working environment. Careers is broken into 3 different parts. Each part is integrated with computer technology as all students complete their assignments in the computer lab. Students primarily use ClarisWorks, Or AppleWorks as it is called now, Inspiration, PowerPoint, and Hyperstudio. Students also use MOIS to research a career of their choice. Top of Page
	Part One
	In part one, students learn more about themselves with assignments such as "Feelings," "Bio Poem," and "Messages." Let me explain. In feelings, students have to complete sentence starters about their feelings. It helps students organize their thoughts about themselves. Bio Poem requires students to write a poem about themselves. Among other things, students need to include four positive words which describe them in the poem. The assignment Messages, takes the student into the future, after graduation. Students are to pretend they just arrived home and are checking the messages on their answering machine. Each student will receive a message about their future from the following people: Mother, Father, Teacher, Other significant adult, Best friend, and Society. The twist is that we have the students create their own messages based on what they think these particular people may say about them in the future. We, of course, encourage positive comments. It's a great way for students to envision themselves and the way they are perceived in their future endeavors. In all, there are 14 assignments in part one. Top of Page
	Projects
	Upon completion of part one, students begin a project based on a career of the student's choice. We usually spend about 2 weeks on this project where students research and report everything from the general description of the career to the tools and equipment a person may need to be successful in the given career. Students usually enjoy themselves and at the same time have completed a multi-media research project. In addition to this project, we complete a variety of other projects including powerpoint presentations and slideshows. Top of Page
	Part Two
	Lastly, part two of our careers rotation prepares students to enter the work force. This is where students create a resume, a cover letter, and fill out a job application. We stress to students how important it is to present their best side to employers and to make a great first impression. Students also complete interview preparation questions. We find that this portion of our course is a real "eye-opener" for some of our students. In fact, when students complete their application, we go ahead and make mock employee selections of those people we feel would be considered for hire. Top of Page
	Grading, Points, and Revising
	Throughout the course of Careers, we allow students to revise their work. Most all assignments in part one and part two are graded on a 5 point scale. Therefore, if a student scores any lower than a 5, then they have the opportunity to revise that assignment and turn it in for a higher grade. The Website project in Careers is approximately one-third of the student's grade. It is given a 100 point value. If a student needs to improve their score on the project, they can fix their mistakes based upon the comments made on their grade sheet. Top of Page

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