Oregon's Career Related Learning Standards
Oregon's Board of Education sets requirements for earning a high school diploma in the state. Although school districts may add on to these, they are required to make sure their students meet the state's requirements.
One of the career-related learning requirements is that all students demonstrate six career-related learning standards. The standards describe broad, transferable life skills that are essential for students to succeed after high school - in employment, further schooling, family, and community life. Students learn, practice, and achieve the standards through classroom activities, community experiences, and projects integrated throughout the curriculum. Each school district develops the methods to assess student achievement of these standards. The six standards are described below. Age level goals are described in the Career and Life Role Common Curriculum Goals.
Personal Management
Skills to monitor one's work and behavior, act appropriately and responsibly,
and organize assignments are examples of personal management skills. They
are critically important to success in school and work. Students are expected
to
exhibit appropriate work ethic and behaviors in their school, community,
and the workplace.
In order to meet this standard, students must demonstrate that they can:
- Identify tasks that need to be done and initiate action to complete the tasks.
- Plan, organize and complete projects and assigned tasks on time, meeting agreed upon standards of quality.
- Take responsibility for decisions and actions and anticipate consequences of decisions and actions.
- Maintain regular attendance and be on time.
- Maintain appropriate interactions with colleagues.
Problem Solving
Problems exist in all life situations, and problem-solving
skills are highly valued in school and the workplace. In addition
to knowing the
processes
that facilitate finding solutions, problem solving uses
creative thinking, decision
making, reasoning, and knowing how to learn. Students are
expected to apply decision-making and problem-solving techniques in
their school, community,
and the workplace.
In order to meet this standard, students must demonstrate that they can:
- Identify problems and locate information that may lead to solutions.
- Identify alternatives to solve problems.
- Assess the consequences of the alternatives.
- Select and explain a proposed solution and course of action.
- Develop a plan to implement the selected course of action.
- Assess results and take corrective action.
Communication
Communication skills are foundation or basic
skills. Communication includes reading,
writing, listening,
and speaking. Students
are expected to demonstrate
effective
communication skills to give and receive
information in their school, community, and workplace.
In order to meet this standard, students must demonstrate that they can:
- Locate, process, and convey information using traditional and technological tools.
- Listen attentively and summarize key elements of verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Give and receive feedback in a positive manner.
- Read technical and instructional materials for information and apply to specific tasks.
- Write instructions, technical reports, and business communications clearly and accurately.
- Speak clearly, accurately, and in a manner appropriate for the intended audience when giving oral instructions, technical reports, and business communications.
Teamwork
Teams are not only important
on the athletic field.
All aspects of life
require people
to work effectively
as
members of
teams. Students,
employees,
and
family members must work
cooperatively with others
and contribute
ideas, suggestions, and
effort. Students
are expected to
demonstrate effective
teamwork in their school, community,
and the workplace.
In order to meet this standard, students must demonstrate that they can:
- Identify different types of teams and roles within each type of team; describe why each role is important to effective teamwork.
- Demonstrate skills that improve team effectiveness (for example, negotiation, compromise, consensus building, conflict management, shared decision-making, and goal-setting).
Employment Foundations
Different types
of jobs require
different
sets
of skills,
abilities, and
knowledge. However,
all jobs
require
some common employability
skills. Students
are expected
to demonstrate
academic,
technical,
and organizational
knowledge and
skills required for
successful employment.
In order to meet this standard, students must demonstrate that they can:
- Apply academic knowledge and technical skills in a career context.
- Select, apply, and maintain tools and technologies appropriate for the workplace.
- Identify parts of organizations and systems and how they fit together.
- Describe how work moves through a system.
- Describe the changing nature of work, workplaces, and work processes on individuals, organizations, and systems.
- Demonstrate dress, appearance, and personal hygiene appropriate for the work environment and situation.
- Explain and follow health and safety practices in the work environment.
- Explain and follow regulatory requirements, security procedures, and ethical practices.
Career
Development
Career
development is
a life-long
process. People
must navigate
their careers
through transitions
in their
own lives
and through
transformations in
their jobs
and industries.
In the
rapidly changing
world of
work, career
self-management and
life-long learning
are critical
skills. Students
are expected
to demonstrate
career development
skills in
planning for
post high
school experiences.
In order to meet this standard, students must demonstrate that they can:
- Assess personal characteristics related to educational and career goals.
- Research and analyze career and educational information.
- Develop and discuss a current plan designed to achieve personal, educational, and career goals.
- Monitor and evaluate educational and career goals.
- Demonstrate job-seeking skills (for example, writing resumes, completing applications, and participating in interviews).