• District 214 uses the following nationally recognized terms to help guide students through the selection of coursework and to support their decision making in preparation for their post-secondary goals.

    College and Career Pathway Endorsements
    Endorsements are awarded on the high school diploma to validate the work of students in preparing for particular industry sectors. Endorsement requirements include: completion of a learning plan, career-focused coursework, workbased learning, and postsecondary readiness in reading and math.

    Career Cluster
    Refers to the groups of the 16 nationally recognized occupations and industries that have a set of foundational knowledge and skills in common.

    Career Pathway
    Multi-year program of academic and technical study that prepares students for a full range of post-secondary options within each career cluster. Career pathways provide a context for exploring career options at all levels of education. Career pathways link student learning to the knowledge and skills needed for future education and employment.

    Within each District 214 Program of Study the following terms are used to describe coursework and opportunities that align with that career area.

    Pathway Courses
    Recommended sequence of courses that provide students opportunities to explore and develop skills within a specified career area.

    Related Electives
    Courses that provide students additional opportunities within the specified career area or opportunities to develop skills and knowledge in a closely related career area.

    Work-based Learning Experiences
    Extended educational opportunities in which students engage in authentic and relevant work aligned with a career pathway. These experiences allow students to participate in a professional work environment and assist with career skill development and decision-making. These opportunities may provide varied levels of support, depending upon students’ individual needs.

    Career Related Activities
    Opportunities for student career exploration and/or career skill development that may include the involvement of industry partners. These opportunities are generally less formal and/or intensive than Work-based Learning Experiences in the areas of career exploration and/or career skill development.

    Certifications
    Credentials awarded to students by an independent third party verifying qualifications or competencies in a career skill area. Industry-recognized certifications are sought or accepted by employers as a recognized, preferred or required credentials for recruitment, screening, hiring, retention or advancement purposes of their employees.

    College Majors
    College majors are concentrations of educational study focused on a career area. College majors can lead to an associate, bachelor, master, or doctorate degree. In this document, a sample of majors related to each program of study is listed.

    Careers
    Careers are occupations that usually require special training or formal education. In this document, a sample of careers related to each program of study is listed