Middle School: Guiding Learners to Connect Their Strengths to Their Future
Empowering All Learners: Computer Science Across the Curriculum
Why Computer Science Matters for Middle School Career Exploration
Computer and information technology jobs are among the fastest-growing fields nationally and in Oregon. According to the Oregon Employment Department, these roles are crucial to the state’s economic growth. However, many students remain unaware of these opportunities or feel unprepared to pursue them. By integrating computer science into middle school curricula, educators and administrators can play a pivotal role in bridging this gap and expanding access to valuable career pathways.
Breaking Down Barriers
Access to computer science education has historically been uneven, leaving many students—especially those from rural or underserved communities—without the resources or opportunities to explore careers in technology. Early exposure to computer science helps break down these barriers by building digital fluency, confidence, and essential 21st-century skills. Engaging students during middle school can help them envision themselves thriving in this dynamic and exciting field, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
Free Resources to Bring Computer Science to Your Classroom
Educators looking to inspire their students and introduce them to computer science can access various free, high-quality resources to get started.
offers comprehensive, FREE resources developed by educators and technology industry experts. This resource provides engaging, hands-on experiences for middle school students and includes:
|
- Educator resources, lesson plans, and activities are aligned with national academic standards, such as the Common Core State Standards in Math and Language Arts, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA).
- Materials were designed to build foundational digital skills and confidence.
- Provides insights and experiences into emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
|
Another resource is Code.org, a widely recognized platform offering free computer science curricula and professional learning opportunities for educators. Code.org provides:
- Comprehensive lesson plans.
- Interactive coding activities and projects.
- Tools to integrate computer science seamlessly into existing curricula.
- Resources aligned with national standards to support diverse learning environments.
A Challenge to Middle School Educators, Leaders, and Partners
We have a unique opportunity to shape the future of Oregon’s students by introducing them to the world of computer science. Please consider integrating career education and computer science into your classrooms, helping students explore emerging technologies and develop essential skills for the future. By doing so, we can ensure that every student gains the digital fluency and problem-solving abilities necessary to succeed in our rapidly evolving world. Together, we can inspire the next generation of innovators and prepare them for success in the technology-driven economy.
To learn more about how the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) are working to ensure every public school student in the state has access to comprehensive computer science education opportunities by the 2027-2028 school year, visit the Computer Science Initiate webpage and read the Computer Science Education Statewide Implementation Plan.
|
High School: Preparing Learners to Navigate Careers
Career Connected Learning – Secondary Implementation Toolkit: Resource Highlight
Fostering Meaningful Career Conversations: A Guide for Educators, Families, and Community Partners
As students progress through high school, career conversations play a pivotal role in shaping their future success. The Career Connected Learning (CCL) Secondary Implementation Toolkit offers valuable resources designed to support educators and administrators in creating and implementing Career Education plans that align with the Oregon Career Connected Learning Framework. This empowers schools to deliver meaningful, sequential career education experiences for students from kindergarten through high school.
The toolkit includes resources that help educators develop or enhance career-connected learning opportunities. One such resource is a worksheet designed to facilitate conversations with students that align with the ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success. The worksheet provides conversation prompts for families, communities, educators, and students across four key areas—Mindsets, Behavioral Learning Strategies, Behavioral Self-Management Skills, and Behavioral Social Skills—ensuring students not only develop career readiness but also cultivate a well-rounded sense of self.
These areas of focus are critical in supporting students as they move toward postsecondary opportunities and career success. Below is a closer look at each of the four key areas and how the worksheet helps guide conversations.
Mindsets
The first section of the worksheet focuses on helping students develop a positive mindset toward their education and career. By asking reflective questions about self-confidence, resilience, and the ability to succeed, the worksheet encourages students to recognize their strengths and areas for growth. Conversations around mindset help students build a foundation of belief in their own potential, which is essential for long-term success in both education and career.
Behavioral Learning Strategies
Next, the worksheet addresses the importance of learning strategies that support academic success and career readiness. This section includes prompts to guide students in understanding how they approach learning, problem-solving, and the development of new skills. By reflecting on their ability to use time management, stay organized, and apply critical thinking, students can better understand their learning styles and how to apply them effectively in both academic and career contexts.
Behavioral Self-Management Skills
The ability to manage oneself effectively is a cornerstone of career success. The worksheet prompts students to explore their self-discipline, responsibility, and ability to work independently. These conversations help students evaluate their personal habits, identify areas for improvement, and prepare to manage their careers as they transition to postsecondary education or the workforce.
Behavioral Social Skills
Lastly, the worksheet encourages reflection on social skills, which are vital for both academic and professional success. By addressing communication, collaboration, empathy, and teamwork, students are prompted to think about how they interact with others in various environments. These conversations help students build the interpersonal skills necessary for success in the workplace and beyond.
Incorporating these discussions into career development conversations is key to ensuring that students are not only prepared for their future careers but also equipped with the skills and mindset needed to thrive. This highlighted resource in the CCL Secondary Implementation Toolkit provides educators with the tools to guide these essential conversations, creating an environment where students, families, and community partners can work together to support the holistic development of each student’s future success.
Demystifying Cooperative Work Experiences for Secondary Educators
Unlocking Real-World Learning Opportunities
For many educators, a Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) can feel like just another acronym, often confused with internships or job shadowing. But CWE is more than just time spent in the workplace—it’s a structured bridge between the classroom and workplace, giving students the tools to apply their learning and build confidence for the future. As described in Oregon's Work-Based Learning Handbook, a CWE is a structured educational strategy that involves the placement of learners in a Work-Based Learning experience that is directly related to their classroom studies, coordinated by the school, and leads to the earning of academic credit. (A CWE at the secondary level closely aligns with the definition established by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission for the postsecondary level in OAR 589-007-0100.)
What Sets a CWE Apart?
Unlike traditional internships or one-time job observations, a CWE is:
-
School-Initiated: Educators and/or coordinators work directly with employers to create meaningful placements.
-
Curriculum-Connected: Students earn course credit while applying what they’ve learned in the classroom.
-
Supported by Educators: Teachers remain involved through regular check-ins, helping students make connections between school and work.
-
Goal-Oriented: Students tackle learning objectives that are measurable, ensuring they leave with skills and insights aligned with career pathways.
CWEs and internships both play important roles in preparing students for the workplace. Internships are valuable, industry- or business-initiated opportunities where students gain on-the-job experience, contribute to workplace operations, and build professional skills under supervision. CWEs similarly provide students with valuable real-world learning experiences yet they stand out by alternating classroom instruction with on-the-job training through a coordinated partnership between schools and employers. Its structured design emphasizes purposeful connections between coursework, job tasks, and student support, ensuring students earn credit and achieve measurable learning outcomes aligned with career pathways.
Coursework with Purpose
One important distinction to make is that a CWE is not just a course assignment or workplace simulation—it’s a real-world learning experience that blends classroom preparation with workplace application. While some courses may incorporate workplace scenarios or challenges, CWEs require an actual placement where students perform meaningful work and demonstrate growth aligned to specific learning outcomes. The course credit earned represents this combination of working and learning, emphasizing preparation for entry-level employment or further education.
Test Your Knowledge: Match the Scenario to the Type of Work-Based Learning Experience
Match each scenario to the corresponding type of Work-Based Learning experience: Cooperative Work Experience, Internship, or Workplace Simulation. (Check your answers at the end of the article.)
Scenario 1: A student interested in marketing applies for a summer internship at an advertising agency. They shadow employees, assist with social media campaigns, and work on a special project. The intern contributes to daily workplace operations of the advertising team while receiving practical experience within the field.
Scenario 2: An advanced automotive student meets with a cohort of peers for 1 hour per week in a dedicated classroom setting. The time includes regular check-ins, reflections on learning, employability skill development, etc. Concurrently, the student spends 4 hours per week at a local auto repair shop, applying their knowledge in areas like engine diagnostics, brake repairs, and electrical system troubleshooting. The student earns credit for the combined experience.
Scenario 3: After learning basic manufacturing processes, exploring different materials, and gaining experience with design thinking processes, students in a manufacturing class are assigned a challenge to assist local businesses with small manufacturing tasks. One student is partnering with a local business to identify ways to improve the accessibility of their products for people with disabilities.
Making CWE Happen
Ready to bring CWEs to life in your school? Take the next step to
- Build Strong Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses and community organizations to create placements that fit your students’ interests and goals.
- Develop a Plan: Create an opportunity for students to earn credit while receiving ongoing support and guidance throughout their workplace experience, including regular communication and feedback on clear learning objectives with students and professionals.
- Prepare Students: Ensure students possess essential theoretical knowledge and are prepared for the expectations of the workplace. Place students in experiences aligned to their strengths, interests, and career goals.
- Celebrate Success: Highlight growth and achievements to build confidence and inspire other students to participate.
Final Thoughts
A CWE is more than just a workplace experience—it’s a launchpad for student success. By combining classroom learning with hands-on practice, educators can help students step confidently into their futures. Whether your school already has CWE opportunities or is just getting started, now is the time to strengthen the connection between education and work.
Answer Key: Scenario 1) Internship 2) Cooperative Work Experience 3) Workplace Simulation
|
