Navigating the Workforce Without a Diploma

Judy Nascimento

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Navigating the Workforce Without a Diploma

Understand workforce challenges

In this lesson, students will explore the realities of entering the workforce without a high school diploma. Through discussions, case studies, and reflection activities, they will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals in this situation. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the value of education and the potential hurdles they may encounter without a diploma, fostering informed decision-making about their educational paths.

Audience

10th Grade Students

Time

90 mins

Approach

Understand workforce challenges

Materials

Discussion Guide, Case Study Worksheets, Reflection Handout, Pens, and Paper

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin with a brief overview of the lesson's objectives.
Discuss the importance of education in career opportunities.
Pose the question: "What challenges might someone face without a high school diploma?"

Step 2

Discussion

20 mins

Use the Discussion Guide to facilitate a conversation about the challenges and opportunities in the workforce without a diploma.
Encourage students to share their thoughts and any personal experiences they might know of.

Step 3

Case Study Analysis

30 mins

Distribute the Case Study Worksheets to students.
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a case study.
Instruct groups to analyze their case study and discuss the individual's challenges and strategies for overcoming them.
Have each group present their findings to the class.

Step 4

Guest Speaker (Optional)

15 mins

If available, invite a guest speaker who has experienced entering the workforce without a diploma.
Allow the speaker to share their story and answer student questions.

Step 5

Reflection Activity

15 mins

Hand out the Reflection Handout.
Ask students to reflect on what they learned and how it might influence their educational choices.
Encourage students to write down their thoughts and any questions they still have.

Step 6

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson.
Reinforce the importance of education and planning for the future.
Thank students for their participation and encourage them to continue thinking about their educational paths.

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Discussion

Workforce Challenges Discussion

A guided discussion to explore the challenges faced by individuals entering the workforce without a high school diploma.

What are some potential challenges someone might face in the workforce without a high school diploma?

Consider factors like job availability, salary expectations, and career advancement opportunities.

How might these challenges impact an individual's long-term career prospects?

Discuss the potential for limited job growth and the importance of further education or training.

What opportunities might still be available to someone without a diploma?

Explore alternative career paths, vocational training, and entrepreneurship.

Worksheet

Case Study Worksheets

Worksheets for analyzing real-life scenarios of individuals entering the workforce without a diploma.

Describe the main challenges faced by the individual in your case study.

What strategies did the individual use to overcome these challenges?

How did the lack of a diploma affect their career opportunities?

Reading

Reflection Handout

A handout for students to reflect on the lesson and consider their own educational paths.

Reflection Questions

What did you learn about the importance of a high school diploma in the workforce?
How might this information influence your own educational and career choices?
What questions do you still have about entering the workforce without a diploma?

Reading

Local Case Studies

Case studies focusing on the local job market in Lincoln County, NC, highlighting different career paths and challenges faced by individuals without a diploma.

Case Study 1: Manufacturing

Background: John, 19, left high school in his junior year to support his family. He found a job in a local manufacturing plant.

Challenges: Limited opportunities for advancement without a diploma, lower starting wage compared to peers with diplomas.

Strategies: Enrolled in evening classes to complete his GED, sought mentorship from experienced workers.

Case Study 2: Retail

Background: Maria, 20, works in a retail store in Lincoln County. She left school due to personal reasons.

Challenges: Difficulty in securing full-time positions, limited benefits, and job security.

Strategies: Pursued online courses in business management, aimed for a supervisory role.

Case Study 3: Construction

Background: Alex, 22, entered the construction industry directly after leaving high school.

Challenges: Physically demanding work, seasonal employment, and safety concerns.

Strategies: Attended vocational training for specialized skills, networked with contractors for steady work.