Starting in the 2021-22 school year, PVHS is taking another step to make sure all students are ready for life after high school. The District has added a new College and Career Ready Seminar to graduation requirements. PVHS counselors will teach this course giving students the opportunity to learn about their own interests and the post-secondary options available to them.
Students will earn 0.125 credits a year by participating in this sequence for one-quarter of each year, likely opposite a PE or Health class. Some of the topics to be presented are listed below.
| 9th Grade | 10th & 11th Grade | 12th Grade |
A blend of virtual lessons and 8th period seminar. |
In person, 2nd, 3rd or 4th quarter |
In person, 1st or 2nd quarter |
The College and Career Ready Seminar is in alignment with the following state standards:
1. Self-understanding - Interest inventory, work-values assessment, skills assessment, reflection, etc.
2. Career Information - Career research - based on self-understanding results and includes job description, employment outlook, earnings and training and educational requirements
3. Career Exploration - Engage students in activities that reveal connections between academics and careers. Examples include tours, job shadows, lunch & learn, work-based learning, internships and service learning
4. Postsecondary Exploration - Present postsecondary pathways to students and engage them in purposeful goal setting to achieve desired outcomes. Include activities and reflection related to appropriate academic planning and the financial impact of postsecondary options.
5. Career and Postsecondary Decision - Complete relevant activities to meet previously identified postsecondary intention. These include applications for admission and scholarships, FAFSA, admission/placement examinations, personal statements and letters of recommendation. Activities to increase high school to post-secondary transition (reducing "Summer Melt) will also be included post-graduation.
Each student will create an Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP). Students will use a state-approved career and academic planning software tool (Xello) to assist in the creation, revision and completion of the ICAP Essential Components.