The Vision

Imagine a school system in which every student

graduates ready for college and career. In this

system, all students want to succeed, and they

have the tools they need to achieve now and in the

future.

Every person in every school community can help

students --in elementary, middle and high school --

develop the skills and aspirations that are critical

in preparing for college and careers.

What Does it Mean?

o Being “college ready” means being prepared for any

postsecondary education or training experience, including

study at technical colleges or two and four-year institutions (1,

2, 4 or more years of study) leading to a postsecondary

credential. 

o Being “career ready” means being prepared for a career not

just a job. A career provides a family-sustaining wage and

pathways to advancement and requires postsecondary training

or education.  A job may be obtained with only a high school

diploma, but offers no guarantee of advancement or mobility.• Greg Sanders 8/20/2012

Charting a Course

Iron County School District is committed to increasing K-12

student performance and ensuring that our education

system prepares ALL students for postsecondary education

or today’s workplace. College and Career Readiness

prepares students in reading, oral and writing

communications, teamwork, critical thinking, problem

solving, workplace relations, computer skills, mathematics

and much more to be successful in any and all future

endeavors.  In short, we are preparing students to look

beyond filling their schedule with only the graduation

requirements; they will be on a pathway to a career.  

Making it Happen

Iron County students are high achieving and we

have worked to create the rigor necessary for

success by implementing the Utah core and

placing high academic standards throughout our

district. CCR will provide the vehicle with which we

can assist students in moving forward and making

their dreams a reality. CCR will help equip students

with the tools and knowledge they need to make

decisions about their future goals.

Creating an Attitude of Excellence

o CCR will give students an opportunity to have more

and earlier exposure to the idea that a high school

diploma is not the end of their education rather a

platform for their goals.

o Students will understand continuing their education

entails 1, 2, 4 or more years of training.

o Parental support is also essential to encourage the

student during this exploratory process.

Keys to Success

o Students will engage in grade level activities in order to

determine skills and aptitudes as well as future career goals.

o Students will have opportunities to engage in community

service throughout their academic career.

o Students will use UtahFutures.org to take assessments and

help create a portfolio.

o Students will meet with counselors to evaluate the

information obtained and determine a plan.

• Fall and Spring CCR planning meetings at all grade levels 6-12

Pathways to Success

o Counselors, advisors, career coaches will meet with students and parents

to determine an appropriate pathway.

o Each pathway encompasses a broad range of careers providing students

with a direction rather than limiting them to one career choice.

o There are 7 Pathways including:

• Arts

• Career and Technology Education

• Communication

• Life Science

• Math

• Physical Science

• Social Science

Providing the Keys

o 6th grade- Investigate• Students will begin a portfolio that will follow them through high

school.• Students will take a career assessment and investigate careers.

o 7th grade- Research• Students will engage in career development activities and add to

their portfolio.• Students will research careers.

o 8th grade- Explore• Students will take the “EXPLORE” test in addition to other

assessments available on UtahFutures, adding to their portfolio.• Data from the “Explore” and the UtahFutures portfolio will be used

to determine a pathway and a four-year plan will be established to assist the student’s transition to high school.

Creating the Plano 9th grade- Transition

• Following the four-year plan (updating and changing as necessary).

• Continued use of UtahFutures

o 10th grade- Plan• “PLAN” test to add to data• Continued use of UtahFutures• Research occupations based on assessment results• FAFSA Forecaster

o 11th grade- Prepare• Education Research• Develop Next Step Goals• Practice completing a College application• Complete a Scholarship Search and Financial aid sort• Complete Junior Year College Planning Checklist• Attend Regional Financial Aid Night or other financial aid

seminars• PSAT and ACT

Using the Plan 12th grade- Focus

• Compare schools for post high school education• Complete in-depth Occupation Research Project• Evaluate Next Step Options• Complete and submit either college (any training beyond

high school) or job application• Complete FAFSA• Senior Year College Checklist• Complete Job Search Action Plan• Complete Graduation Action Plan• Attend Regional Financial Aid Night• Attend College Tour/ Visit college campuses• Complete any credit recovery necessary• Take ACT and/or SAT• Apprenticeships or internships• Attend scholarship fairs and complete all applications for

applicable scholarships• Attend career/job fairs

FAQ

o Why CCR?

• We want Iron County students to be successful.  Governor

Herbert shared the following information relating to

unemployment:  Utah's working age citizens with a BACHELOR’S

DEGREE OR HIGHER have a 4% unemployment rate; for eligible

citizens with only a high school diploma the unemployment rate

is almost 10%;  and the unemployment rate for high school

dropouts is an alarming 16%.  

• THE MESSAGE: CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION (1, 2, 4 or

more) AND TRAIN FOR A SPECIFIC CAREER.....

FAQ

o Why start in 6th grade?

• Career exploration begins early. The more formalized

approach of CCR is due to our desire to see students

succeed. 

• The latest ACT research indicates that the academic

levels achieved by 8th grade have a large impact on

College and Career Readiness. If we want to maximize

College and Career Readiness, we need to intervene at

the upper elementary and middle school levels.

FAQ

o If students change their minds, will they be able to

change their pathways?

• Absolutely! Interests and skills can change and a student’s

pathway can be adjusted as necessary.

o What if students don’t want to do what the assessments

suggest?

• If students already have a postsecondary plan, they need not

change. However, they will still benefit from the CCR program

as they can research the career they have selected and

evaluate their own skills, interests and aptitudes.

o Students will graduate with a plan for their

future, and have already taken steps to

ensure that plan.

o Students will graduate with necessary

employability skills.

o Students will graduate prepared for

continued education in their chosen pathway.

Unlocking the Future