Lesson Plan
Your Teen's Future: Pathways to Success
Parents will understand the diverse pathways from high school activities to higher education or direct career entry, recognizing the value of extracurriculars, vocational programs, and academic choices.
Empowering parents with this knowledge allows them to actively support their high school students in making informed decisions about their academic and extracurricular pursuits, ultimately leading to successful post-secondary outcomes.
Audience
High School Parents
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive presentation, activities, and guided discussion.
Materials
Smartboard or Projector, Computer, Pathways to Success Slide Deck, Myth vs. Fact: Future Pathways, Future Pathways Activity, Future Pathways Cool Down, and Parent Discussion Guide
Prep
Review Materials
20 minutes
- Review the Pathways to Success Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
* Read through the Parent Discussion Guide, Myth vs. Fact: Future Pathways, Future Pathways Activity, and Future Pathways Cool Down to prepare for facilitating.
* Ensure projector/smartboard and computer are set up and working.
* Print copies of the Myth vs. Fact: Future Pathways, Future Pathways Activity, and Future Pathways Cool Down for each parent.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Welcome parents and introduce the topic: connecting high school activities to future success.
* Ask: "What are some things you hope your child gains from their high school experience to prepare them for their future?" (Allow for a few brief responses).
Step 2
Presentation: High School to Higher Ed/Career
8 minutes
- Use the Pathways to Success Slide Deck to guide parents through the different avenues high school provides.
* Cover topics such as: academic rigor, extracurricular involvement, vocational training, internships, and networking.
* Emphasize real-world examples and the transferability of skills.
Step 3
Myth vs. Fact Activity
5 minutes
- Distribute the Myth vs. Fact: Future Pathways.
* Have parents individually complete the activity, then briefly discuss their answers in small groups or as a whole class. Correct misconceptions.
Step 4
Future Pathways Activity
12 minutes
- Distribute the Future Pathways Activity.
* Instruct parents to individually reflect and complete the activity, charting potential pathways for their teens.
* Encourage them to think about their teen's interests and how high school opportunities can align with future goals.
Step 5
Interactive Discussion & Q&A
4 minutes
- Facilitate a brief discussion using insights from the Future Pathways Activity and the Parent Discussion Guide.
* Encourage parents to share their thoughts, ask questions, and discuss how they can support their teens.
* Address any concerns or misconceptions about college and career paths.
Step 6
Future Pathways Cool Down
5 minutes
- Distribute the Future Pathways Cool Down.
* Have parents individually complete the cool-down activity, reflecting on key takeaways and action steps.
Step 7
Wrap-Up & Resources
6 minutes
- Summarize key takeaways from the presentation and discussion.
* Highlight school resources available for college and career planning (guidance counselors, career fairs, etc.).
* Thank parents for their participation and provide contact information for further questions.
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Slide Deck
Your Teen's Future: Pathways to Success
Connecting High School to College & Career
Welcome, Parents!
Let's talk about the incredible journey your child is on and how high school is building their bridge to success!
Welcome parents and thank them for coming. Briefly introduce yourself and the goal of tonight's session: to explore how high school activities connect to their child's future.
What Are Your Hopes?
What are your hopes for your child's future after high school?
How do you see their high school experience preparing them?
Start with an open-ended question to engage parents and activate their prior thoughts. Allow a few parents to share their hopes briefly.
More Than Just Grades
High school is a launchpad, not just a stepping stone. It's about:
- Academics: Building a strong knowledge base.
- Skills: Developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
- Experiences: Discovering passions and gaining practical exposure.
- Connections: Networking with peers, teachers, and mentors.
Introduce the idea that 'success' looks different for everyone and that high school offers multiple avenues, not just one. Emphasize preparation for any next step.
Academic Pathways: The Power of Your Courses
Beyond the diploma, your child's coursework matters!
- Advanced Placement (AP) & International Baccalaureate (IB): College credit, challenging coursework.
- Dual Enrollment: Earning college and high school credit simultaneously.
- Core Subjects: Developing foundational skills vital for any path.
- Electives: Exploring interests and discovering potential career fields.
Discuss how rigorous courses, even if challenging, build essential skills for both college and competitive careers. Mention AP/IB for college, and critical thinking for any job.
Extracurriculars: Beyond the Classroom
Clubs, sports, arts, and community service aren't just for fun—they build character and skills!
- Leadership: Taking initiative, guiding others.
- Teamwork: Collaborating towards a common goal.
- Time Management: Balancing commitments.
- Passion & Persistence: Showing dedication and commitment.
Highlight how extracurriculars demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and commitment—qualities highly valued by colleges and employers. Provide examples.
Vocational & Technical Training (CTE): Ready for Work
For students who thrive with hands-on learning, Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers direct pathways!
- Certifications: Industry-recognized credentials.
- Skilled Trades: Plumbing, electrical, automotive, culinary, healthcare support, IT.
- Hands-on Experience: Practical application of knowledge.
- Direct Entry: Opportunities for immediate employment after graduation.
Focus on vocational programs (CTE) as direct career pathways. Explain how these provide hands-on skills and certifications, leading to immediate employment or further specialized training.
Work Experience: Internships & Part-Time Jobs
Real-world experience is invaluable for any post-high school plan.
- Internships: Explore career fields, gain industry insights.
- Part-Time Jobs: Develop work ethic, customer service, responsibility.
- Skill Development: Communication, problem-solving, professionalism.
- Networking: Building connections with potential employers/mentors.
Explain the importance of internships and part-time jobs for gaining real-world experience, developing professional skills, and exploring career interests. This also builds their resume.
Connecting the Dots: It All Adds Up!
Every activity, every class, every experience in high school is a building block.
- Well-Rounded Students: Prepared for diverse challenges.
- Strong Applications: Standing out for college or job opportunities.
- Confident Decisions: Knowing their strengths and interests.
Our school is here to support you and your child every step of the way!
Summarize the different pathways and emphasize that all these experiences contribute to a well-rounded student prepared for various future opportunities. Reiterate school support.
Myth vs. Fact: What Do You Believe?
Let's test our knowledge and clear up some common misconceptions about high school, college, and career planning!
Complete the Myth vs. Fact: Future Pathways.
Introduce the 'Myth vs. Fact' activity. Explain that this is a quick way to challenge common assumptions and get everyone thinking critically about different pathways.
Your Turn: Charting Future Pathways!
Let's make it personal!
Take a few minutes to complete the Future Pathways Activity.
- Reflect on your teen's interests and strengths.
- Connect them to potential high school activities.
- Identify skills gained and support needed.
Introduce the 'Future Pathways Activity'. Explain that this is a chance for parents to start brainstorming concrete steps and connections for their own child, which will then feed into the larger discussion.
Time to Reflect: What's Next?
Let's take a moment to process our thoughts and plan our next steps!
Complete the Future Pathways Cool Down.
Introduce the 'Future Pathways Cool Down' activity. Explain that this is a quick way for parents to reflect on their learning and plan next steps.
Questions & Discussion
Now, let's talk about your thoughts and questions.
- What resonates with you from tonight's presentation?
- What challenges do you foresee in guiding your teen?
- What resources would be most helpful to you?
Open the floor for questions and lead into the discussion guide. Be prepared to answer common questions about financial aid, specific programs, or how to encourage hesitant teens.
Discussion
Parent Discussion Guide: Connecting High School to Future Success
This guide is designed to facilitate a meaningful conversation among parents about how high school experiences can shape their child's college and career pathways. Encourage open sharing and respectful dialogue.
Warm-Up / Opening Question (5 minutes)
- What are some hopes you have for your child's future immediately after high school? What about 5-10 years down the road?
- How do you currently see their high school classes or activities preparing them for these futures?
Reflecting on Pathways (15 minutes)
- The presentation covered various pathways: academic rigor, extracurriculars, vocational training, and work experience. Which of these areas do you feel your child is strongest in? Which areas might need more focus?
- Were there any pathways or types of activities discussed today that you hadn't considered as valuable for college or career preparation?
- How can we, as parents, help our teens connect their current high school efforts to their future goals? What are some practical steps we can take at home?
Supporting Your Teen (15 minutes)
- What are some challenges you face when trying to talk to your teen about their future plans or encouraging them to engage in certain activities?
- What specific questions do you have about navigating college applications, financial aid, or vocational training programs?
- What kind of support or resources from the school would be most helpful to you in guiding your child through these decisions?
Looking Ahead (5 minutes)
- Based on today's discussion, what is one new idea or strategy you will try to implement with your teen regarding their future planning?
- Share one positive takeaway from tonight's session.
Activity
Future Pathways Activity: Charting Your Teen's Course
This activity is designed to help parents visualize and plan for their teen's post-high school journey by connecting current high school opportunities with future college and career goals.
Instructions:
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Individual Reflection (5 minutes): Take a few moments to think about your teen's interests, strengths, and any potential career ideas they've expressed (or you've observed).
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Charting Pathways (10 minutes): Using the table below, brainstorm specific high school activities (academic, extracurricular, vocational, work experience) that could align with different post-high school pathways.
Teen's Interest/Strength Potential Post-High School Path (College/Career) Relevant High School Activities (Courses, Clubs, Jobs, etc.) Skills Gained Support Needed from Parents/School -
Prepare for Discussion: Think about one or two insights you gained from this activity that you'd like to share with the group or questions you have.
Activity
Myth vs. Fact: Future Pathways
Instructions: Read each statement below. Decide if it's a Myth or a Fact regarding high school, college, and career planning. Be prepared to share your reasoning!
Statement 1: "If my child doesn't know exactly what they want to do after high school, they're falling behind."
Myth or Fact?
Statement 2: "Extracurricular activities are only important for college applications, not career readiness."
Myth or Fact?
Statement 3: "Vocational training only leads to blue-collar jobs; it's not a path to a successful career."
Myth or Fact?
Statement 4: "The only way to get a good job is to earn a four-year college degree."
Myth or Fact?
Discussion Points:
- What surprised you about any of these statements?
- How might these perceptions influence how you guide your teen?
Cool Down
Future Pathways Cool Down: Reflecting on Tonight
Instructions: Take a few minutes to reflect on today's session and your insights. Please answer the following questions.
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What is one new piece of information or insight you gained tonight about pathways to success after high school?
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What is one action you plan to take with your teen based on what you learned or discussed today?
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What is one question you still have, or a topic you'd like more information on?
Thank you for your participation!