The course focuses on the role of the K-5 education system in Iowa in terms of laying a strong college and career readiness (CCR) foundation for students in the early grade levels. While the class was developed with a focus on the role of school counselors, other elementary professionals may benefit from the course content as well. 701 provides context related to the crucial role of early awareness in college and career readiness at the elementary level, and participants assess proficiency and related data as it relates to questions of readiness. State and local data sources are leveraged in this effort. The course also asks participants to evaluate the current state of CCR in their buildings. Additionally, participants evaluate resources aimed at supporting K-5 CCR and explore ways to connect elementary students with district-wide efforts. Participants also develop an action plan for implementing elements of a CCR culture into their own practice.
For our students to be successful after their preK-12 experience, they need to begin encountering some type of postsecondary education during their earliest years in school . This course is designed to help school counselors and other educators create that college going culture in their schools. For our purposes, we will use the definition of college as found on the Iowa definition of College and Career Readiness: Post-secondary opportunities include two or four-year degree programs, certificate or licensure programs, apprenticeships, training programs in the military, on-the-job training, and industry-based certifications.