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Your Teen's Future: Ready, Set, Go!

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Lesson Plan

Your Teen's Future: Ready, Set, Go!

Parents will understand the core components of college and career readiness, identify key milestones in high school, and learn practical strategies to support their students' post-secondary planning.

Understanding college and career readiness is crucial for parents to effectively guide their high school students. This lesson provides parents with actionable information and resources to help their children achieve their future aspirations.

Audience

High School Parents

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Interactive presentation, group discussion, and practical tips.

Materials

Your Teen's Future: Ready, Set, Go! Slide Deck, Warm-Up: Parent Poll, Discussion Guide: Future Talk, and Cool-Down: One Big Takeaway

Prep

Preparation Checklist

30 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up & Introduction

5 minutes

  • Welcome parents and introduce the topic: College and Career Readiness.
    - Distribute the Warm-Up: Parent Poll and ask parents to complete it individually.
    - Briefly discuss initial responses to gauge common concerns and priorities.

Step 2

Interactive Presentation: Decoding Readiness

20 minutes

  • Present the Your Teen's Future: Ready, Set, Go! Slide Deck, facilitating interactive discussions throughout.
    - Cover key aspects: academic readiness, career exploration, financial literacy, and social-emotional skills.
    - Use guiding questions from the slide deck to encourage parent participation and sharing of experiences.

Step 3

Group Discussion: Future Talk

15 minutes

  • Divide parents into small groups (3-4 people).
    - Provide each group with the Discussion Guide: Future Talk (or display prompts on screen).
    - Ask groups to discuss challenges they face and strategies they find effective in supporting their teens.
    - Facilitate a brief whole-group share-out of key insights and questions.

Step 4

Cool-Down & Q&A

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Cool-Down: One Big Takeaway.
    - Ask parents to write down one key takeaway or a question they still have.
    - Collect cool-downs and address any immediate questions.
    - Thank parents for their participation and provide information for further resources/follow-up.
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Slide Deck

Your Teen's Future: Ready, Set, Go!

Navigating College & Career Readiness in High School

  • What does it really mean?
  • How can you help your student succeed?
  • Preparing for what's next!

Welcome parents! Start by setting a welcoming tone and briefly introducing yourself. Explain that this session is about equipping them with knowledge to support their teens' future. Emphasize that 'readiness' isn't just about college, but about all post-high school pathways.

What is College & Career Readiness (CCR)?

It's more than just getting into college!

CCR means your student has the knowledge, skills, and habits to:

  • Succeed in post-secondary education (college, trade school, etc.)
  • Thrive in a chosen career path
  • Be a successful, independent adult

It's about having options and being prepared for them!

Ask parents: 'What comes to mind when you hear 'College and Career Readiness'?' Listen to a few responses. Then, present the definition, highlighting that it's about being prepared for any successful post-high school path, whether that's a 4-year university, community college, trade school, military, or direct employment.

Pillar 1: Academic Readiness

Laying the foundation for success.

  • Strong Grades & Challenging Coursework:
    • Why a consistent GPA matters.
    • The benefits of AP, IB, Dual Enrollment courses.
    • Exploring diverse subjects (math, science, English, history, arts, world languages).
  • Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT):
    • Understanding their role (and changing importance).
    • Preparation resources and timing.

Discuss the importance of a strong academic foundation. Emphasize that grades matter for all paths, not just college. Talk about challenging coursework (AP/IB/Dual Enrollment) and how it builds skills. Briefly mention standardized tests (SAT/ACT) as one component, and that many schools are test-optional now.

Pillar 2: Career Exploration

Discovering passions and potential pathways.

  • Self-Discovery:
    • Identifying interests, strengths, and values.
    • Career aptitude tests and online resources.
  • Exploring Options:
    • Researching different careers and industries.
    • Job shadowing, internships, volunteer opportunities.
    • Vocational and Technical Schools (CTE programs).
  • Building Skills:
    • Developing soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving).
    • Connecting coursework to real-world applications.

Engage parents with questions like, 'How do you talk to your teen about their interests or what they want to do after high school?' Discuss exploring different fields, internships, informational interviews, and career technical education (CTE) programs. Highlight that it's okay not to have all the answers now, but exploration is key.

Pillar 3: Financial Literacy & Planning

Making informed decisions about paying for the future.

  • Understanding Costs:
    • The real cost of college and vocational training.
    • Budgeting for tuition, housing, books, and living expenses.
  • Funding Opportunities:
    • FAFSA and financial aid (grants, scholarships, work-study).
    • Scholarship search strategies.
    • Student loans: what to know.
  • Basic Financial Management:
    • Creating a budget and managing money.
    • The importance of saving.

This can be a sensitive topic, so approach it with clear, practical advice. Discuss different funding options for college/training (FAFSA, scholarships, grants, loans). Also, talk about the importance of basic budgeting and financial responsibility for any future path.

Pillar 4: Social-Emotional Skills & Life Skills

Preparing for independence and well-being.

  • Self-Advocacy & Resilience:
    • Speaking up for oneself and seeking help.
    • Bouncing back from setbacks.
  • Time Management & Organization:
    • Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal life.
    • Developing effective study habits.
  • Communication & Collaboration:
    • Working effectively with others.
    • Networking and building relationships.
  • Extracurricular Activities:
    • Developing interests, leadership, and teamwork outside the classroom.

Emphasize that these 'soft skills' are critical for success in college and careers. Discuss self-advocacy, time management, resilience, and adaptability. Ask parents for examples of how they encourage these skills at home. Highlight the role of extracurriculars.

Your Role as a Parent: A Partner in Their Journey

You are their biggest advocate and guide!

  • Encourage Exploration: Support their interests, even if they change.
  • Foster Independence: Let them take ownership of their learning and decisions.
  • Communicate Openly: Talk about aspirations, challenges, and anxieties.
  • Connect with School Resources: Utilize counselors, teachers, and school events.
  • Be a Role Model: Demonstrate lifelong learning and adaptability.

Questions? Let's Discuss!

Summarize the key takeaways and open the floor for questions. Reiterate that parents are crucial partners in this journey. Provide a call to action, encouraging them to connect with school counselors and use available resources. Transition to the group discussion activity.

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Warm Up

Warm-Up: Parent Poll

Welcome! To start, please take a moment to answer the following questions. Your responses will help us tailor our discussion.

  1. On a scale of 1-5 (1 = not at all, 5 = extremely), how confident do you feel about guiding your student through college and career readiness?



  2. What is your biggest hope for your student after high school?






  3. What is your biggest concern or question about your student's post-high school plans?






  4. What resources have you already explored (or wish you knew more about) to help with college and career planning?






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Discussion

Discussion Guide: Future Talk

In your small groups, please discuss the following prompts. Feel free to share your experiences, challenges, and successful strategies.

  1. What are some of the biggest challenges you face when discussing your student's future plans (college, career, etc.) with them?






  2. What's one effective strategy you've used to encourage your student to think about their interests or future career paths?






  3. How can the school best support you and your student in the college and career readiness journey?






  4. Based on today's presentation, what is one area you feel more confident about, and one area where you'd like more information?






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Cool Down

Cool-Down: One Big Takeaway

Before you leave, please reflect on our session today and answer the following:

  1. What is one significant idea or piece of information you learned today that you will take with you?






  2. Do you have any remaining questions about College and Career Readiness that you would like addressed?






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