The student explores career assessments as related to college and career planning. The student is expected to:

  • a

    analyze and discuss the initial results of career assessments;

  • b

    explore the 16 career clusters

  • c

    research trending fields related to career interest areas;

  • d

    determine academic requirements in related career fields;

  • e

    research educational options and requirements using available resources.

The student analyzes college and career opportunities. The student is expected to:

  • a

    determine academic requirements for transitioning to high school;

  • b

     explore opportunities for earning college credit in high school such as advanced placement courses, International Baccalaureate courses, dual credit, and local and statewide articulated credit;

  • c

    develop an awareness of financial aid, scholarships, and other sources of income as well as college savings to support college and career advancement;

  • d

    discuss the impact of effective college and career planning;

  • e

     demonstrate decision-making skills related to school and community issues, programs of study, and college and career planning; 

  • f

    identify how performance on assessments such as the PSAT/NMSQT®, SAT®, ACT®, ASVAB®, and Texas Success Initiative (TSI®) impact personal academic and career goals.

The student evaluates skills for personal success. The student is expected to:

  • a

    use interpersonal skills to facilitate effective teamwork;

  • b

     use problem-solving models and critical-thinking skills to make informed decisions;

  • c

    use effective time-management and goal-setting strategies;

  • d

    identify skills that can be transferable among a variety of careers;

  • e

    create a personal career portfolio;

  • f

    make oral presentations that fulfill specific purposes using appropriate technology;

  • g

     identify entrepreneurial opportunities within a field of personal interest.

The student recognizes the impact of college and career choices on personal lifestyle. The student is expected to:

  • a

    prepare a personal budget reflecting the student's desired lifestyle;

  • b

    use resources to compare and contrast salaries of at least three careers in the student's interest area

The student demonstrates an understanding of financial management. The student is expected to:

  • a

    compare the advantages and disadvantages of different types of money management services;

  • b

    simulate opening and maintaining different types of financial accounts;

  • c

    simulate different methods of withdrawals and deposits;

  • d

    reconcile financial statements, including fees and services;

  • e

    compare and contrast forms of credit, including credit cards and debit cards;

  • f

    discuss the importance of credit scores;

  • g

    discuss the impact of identity theft on credit

  • h

    examine the effects of poor credit scores as they relate to personal finance and career opportunities.

The student develops skills for professional success. The student is expected to:

  • a

    demonstrate effective verbal, nonverbal, written, and electronic communication skills;

  • b

     evaluate the impact of positive and negative personal choices, including use of electronic communications such as social networking sites;

  • c

    model characteristics of effective leadership, teamwork, and conflict management;

  • d

    recognize the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including the ability to manage stress;

  • e

    explore characteristics necessary for professional success such as work ethics, integrity, dedication, perseverance, and interactions with diverse populations.

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 8