A framework for the development and implementation of career centres in senior high schools
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Date
2002
Authors
Poole, Susan
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2002
Abstract
Work and career development have always been a part of human existence. Career
development theories have sought to offer different perspectives about the meaning of
work in people's lives. Some suggested that behavioural style and personality type are
intrinsic to a person's choice of career path; others believed that people attempt to
implement their self-concept into their occupation; still others considered the impact of
sociological and economic factors on an individual's career decision. An underlying
theme in these theories is that work in people's lives is important. These and other
theories have made substantial contributions to the understanding of career decision
making and career development. They have also created a theoretical bridge to a more
contemporary and holistic life career development approach. The life career development
approach helps individuals project themselves into future possible life roles, life settings,
and life events while realizing the importance of gender, ethnic origin, religion, race, and
socioeconomic status on their development. A holistic approach is necessary in the
economic climate in which we live. These economies are expecting trained and effective
workers and therefore require new ways of preparing students for entering and
manoeuvring through the world of work and life. There has been significant recent
research done on the career development needs of youth (e.g., Alberta Learning, 2001;
Hiebert, 2001a; Hiebert & Tomlinson, 1996; Magnusson & Bemes, 2002; Mailandt,
1998; Wells, 1998) to support the "whole-person" approach to preparing youth for adult
and working life. Despite the fact that these studies identify the need for better career
services, very little has been done to develop a comprehensive approach to addressing the
identified needs. Career centres are being advocated as a means of meeting career planning challenges of youth. Effective school board-based career centres facilitate " ...
career education for all students and provide a focus foe career activities in the
communities" (Ba1come, 1995, p. 13). Career centres are a catalyst for a comprehensive
career development approach in high schools and their programs are more integrated and
inextricably linked to schooling than ever before. The central purpose ofthis project was
to create a career centre model, to implement the model within the Calgary Board of
Education (CBE), and then to expand the implementation to other schools within the
CBE. Another purpose was to provide schools or school systems with a step-by-step
guide for implementing career centres. The intent of this guide is to provide a thorough
career centre implementation strategy. With such a strategy, one can go a long way
toward ensuring that today's youth are provided with well-coordinated career services
that prepare them for entering and manoeuvring through the world of work and life.
Description
viii, 182 leaves ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Vocational education -- Alberta -- Calgary