Operation Occupation: A College and Career Readiness Intervention for Elementary Students

Abstract

This article describes efforts undertaken to design, deliver, and evaluate a college and career readiness (CCR) unit for fifth-grade students. Preliminary findings from the school counselor-developed and -delivered intervention, Operation Occupation, supported interdisciplinary efforts between counselors and classroom teachers. Pre- and postintervention perception data revealed that students increased their knowledge and skills related to CCR. Teachers also reported positive perceptions about the experience. The article shares implications for school counselors.

College and Career Readiness in Elementary Schools

“…Gottfredson suggests that people compromise or create boundaries of acceptable careers based on perceived accessibility. This is significant at the elementary level, as school counselors can aid in the possibility of career foreclosure or elimination based on unclear self-concepts (Gottfredson, 1981;Mariani et al, 2016;Woods & Kaszubowski, 2008).…”

“…During the elementary years, students are at a crucial period when career beliefs and aspirations are being developed (Mariani, Berger, Koerner, & Sandlin, 2016). While scarce, studies exist citing the significance of career-related decisions occuring during the elementary years.…”

“…In another study, adults aged 40-55 explained that they made career-related decisions about their current professions during early childhood (Trice & McClellan, 1994). Evidence supporting the need for evidence-based career counseling interventions for elementary students has increased in the research literature, though it remains highly underrepresented, with the majority focused on middle and high school interventions (Knight, 2015;Mariani et al, 2016;Woods & Kaszubowski, 2008).…”

“…Interventions focused on college and career readiness have gained traction in the literature, noting the importance related to the development of a collegegoing mindset and in-depth career exploration as early as elementary school (Knight, 2015;Mariani et al, 2016). Recent predictions highlight the importance of both college and career readiness interventions (Carnevale, Smith, & Strohl, 2010), noting that by 2020, 65% of jobs in the nation will require some form of postsecondary education; however, the U.S. is predicted to be short of five million workers for these jobs by then (Carnevale, Smith, & Strohl, 2014).…”

“…Additionally, the career domain includes competencies demonstrating how interests, abilities, and achievement lead to achieving personal, social, educational, and career goals (ASCA, 2003). Since we know that elementary-aged children begin to make career-related choices that influence their future career goals, it is imperative that elementary school counselors become more involved in career-related interventions early on (Mariani et al, 2016;Woods & Kaszubowski, 2008).…”