Under the Act 339 Plan presented by the district’s counseling staff at Wednesday’s school board meeting, students will create a career portfolio by fifth grade. In eighth grade students will research a career and complete a research paper.

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Elementary school counselor Torrie Winseck said the staff wants to increase parent involvement in the career exploration process, including Career Day in the elementary schools.

“Shawna Little, the workforce development coordinator at the career technology center, is making community contacts so students in kindergarten through fifth grade understand the world of work,” Winseck said.

High school counselor Beth Angle said students will build a full career plan throughout their four years in high school. High school students will also have the opportunity to participate in Career and Reality fairs and college scheduling. A college fair has already been held this year at the career technology center and a job fair will be held in the spring.

“Students will be impacted by giving them a focus on a career path. Career and college readiness plans helps students be more focused in the classroom,” Winseck said.

The plan also calls for the creation of an advisory council including board members, principals, teachers, parents, students, post-secondary representatives and businesses.

Christine Haines is a staff writer with the Daily Courier. She can be reached at 724-628-2000, ext. 116 or [email protected].