Career Assessment
Career Assessment is an individualized systematic process whereby individuals
gain insight into their vocational potential, their
abilities, interests, values and work environment best suited for them.
Without
a systematic approach leading to the selection
of appropriate vocational opportunities, decisions are more apt to be
based on subjective, often random or biased impressions held by the
individual.
Samples include MBTI, CAI, EDITS, McCarron-Dial
Apprenticeships
A registered apprenticeship describes programs that meet specific
federally approved standards designed to safeguard
the welfare of apprentices. Apprenticeships are relationships
between an employer and employee during which the worker, or apprentice,
learns an occupation in a structured program sponsored jointly
by employers and labor unions or operated by employers and employee
associations.
East Dakota Educational Cooperative, in conjunction
with the educational programming provided at Springfield Academy,
has developed a school to registered apprenticeship program. The
purpose of the School-To Registered-Apprenticeship program is
to provide incarcerated youth an approved plan of training which
will equip them with the skills necessary for profitable employment
when released. This program also increases the effectiveness of
training by providing on the job training under actual working
conditions correlated with related technical classroom instruction.
In addition, the school to registered apprenticeship provides
a systematical procedure for tracking apprentices from the time
of indenture to release.
Career Link
Career Link is a service that helps bridge the gap between school
and work. This program encourages participants
to learn about career clusters and use them as part of their career
exploration process.
The Career Link Program provides a real world
experience bridging academic and occupational learning and interests.
Through job shadows, internships, apprenticeships,
and mentorships students explore possible career pathways that
integrate their strengths and interests with classroom and occupational
learning. The career exploration journey is a vital part of students
becoming citizens with more clearly defined futures having identified
and pursued their potential opportunities
Each school engages in the
Career Counseling function by administering assessments which
reveal students career interests and pinpoint student strengths.
The Career Link Coordinator has an established network of businesses,
non-profit organizations, universities and government agencies
that are willing and eager to provide a window into the future
for students seeking career guidance through job shadowing, internships,
apprenticeships and mentorships. Opportunities are also available
for teachers to receive additional career development connecting
with businesses through an externship program.
A job shadow involves a four to
eight hour student experience with an employee(s) observing, listening,
sometimes participating, asking questions and hearing from these
employees about their career journeys and real world choices.
Carl Perkins Consortium
East Dakota serves as the fiscal agent for the Perkins Consortium, which consists of Brandon, Lennox, and West Central School Districts. The Consortium was formed in response to rules and regulations for the receipt of Perkins funds, which dictates the minimum amount that can be applied for independently.
Perkins funds are designed to assure that special needs populations have full access to vocational programs.
Project Skills
Many students with significant disabilities don’t get an
opportunity to gain paid employment experience
while in high school. Although willing, most employers cannot
afford the supports these students frequently require on their
first job. Individuals acquire important learning, maturing and
socializing experiences through Project Skills.
The Division of
Rehabilitation Services (DRS) maintains a partnership
with the local school systems to address this need and funds Project
Skills.
The Career Assessment and Guidance Network establishes
work sites (utilizing the Career Link Database), develops training
plans, completes work experience agreement forms, and files appropriate
monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS):
http://dhs.sd.gov/drs/
Project Skills:
http://dhs.sd.gov/drs/projectskills/default.aspx
Tech Prep Consortium Member
The Southeast Tech Prep Consortium is one of four Consortiums
in South Dakota. The Consortium works to implement
activities in its schools and communities, i.e. being articulation
and dual enrollment.
The Consortium has a steering committee composed
primarily of administrators and counselors. The
steering committee serves as a guiding force for Consortium activities.
Each year a schedule of training and technical assistance activities
is built based on direction from the committee. Steering committee
meetings include participation by superintendents,
principals, technical institute representatives, university representatives,
and area employers. Steering committee meetings
are structured to provide information on specific topics relevant
to Tech Prep.
Southeast Tech Prep Consortium schools are provided
limited funding for substitutes, mileage, meals and registration
fees for related activities. This funding can also be used for
curriculum development and applied academics materials. In addition,
Consortium schools attend training activities sponsored by the
Consortium at no cost.
http://doe.sd.gov/octe/techprep/
Construction Academies
The Academy for the Construction Trades introduces participants to a variety of specialty occupations within the construction industry. Participants will have the opportunity to pursue apprenticeships in addition to receiving transcribed credit. The Academy is a joint venture with the Associated General Contractors of South Dakota, Inc. - Building Chapter, Southeast Technical Institute, and East Dakota Educational Cooperative.
Transition Planning
Career Assessment and Guidance Network personnel regularly attend IEP and other such meetings to participate in the planning of transitions. East Dakota Educational Cooperative member districts, Cornbelt Educational Cooperative member districts, as well as facilities in which East Dakota Educational Cooperative provides the educational programming are the primary recipients of the expertise of the Career Assessment and Guidance Network staff.
