Merced Union High School District recently joined educators and school leaders from middle schools and feeder districts across Merced County for a collaborative K-12 alignment session focused on career education. 

 

The collaborative sessions were held at the Merced College Business Resource Center in downtown Merced on Friday and the list of participating districts included Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos, McSwain, Merced City, Merced River, Weaver Middle, and Winton Middle. 

 

The morning session gave educators an opportunity to explore California Colleges Guidance Initiative’s CaliforniaColleges digital platform which can be used as a tool and resource to support career exploration. CCGI representatives were on hand to guide the attendees on the different ways students can explore careers on CalilforniaColleges from interactive career assessments, career matches, jobs data and job salaries.

 

The afternoon session was focused on the essential elements of high-quality CTE as teams reflected on what they are already doing, identified areas they would like to strengthen, and began envisioning what a more intentional career-readiness experience could look like for students at their sites.

 

"We appreciate the great turnout and engagement at today’s collaboration and training,” said Mandy Ballenger, MUHSD Deputy Superintendent. “It was exciting to bring together our feeder schools and districts from across Merced County to strengthen the connection between middle school career exploration and the pathways students will experience in high school. Through our training with CCGI and our collaboration around the CTE Essential Elements, we were able to share what we are doing at MUHSD while also learning from our partners. This kind of collaboration is critical to helping students develop the skills to achieve their postsecondary dreams.”

 

Ballenger thanked Tiffani Gong, K-12 Pathway Coordinator, Merced College District and Program Administrator, MUHSD for organizing the event. “The goal was to help our K–12 partners see how career readiness can become a connected experience for students rather than something that begins when they enter high school,” Gong said. “When we collaborate across K–12 systems, we can create a more intentional continuum. Middle school students can build career awareness and explore options, and then enter MUHSD with a better understanding of the CTE pathways and opportunities available to them.”

 

The goal is to create a more seamless experience for students as they progress from middle school into high school and begin making decisions about their future careers and postsecondary education.

 

The collaboration recognizes that preparing students for success after high school begins well before they enter ninth grade. Early exposure to careers and opportunities can help students better understand their interests, identify potential career paths and make informed decisions about the courses and programs they pursue in high school.

 

“One of the most important takeaways from today’s sessions was the importance of collaboration between the feeder schools and the high school district,” said Merced River Superintendent Richard Lopez. “Our students benefit when middle schools and high schools work together to create clear pathways from education to future careers. We cannot wait until students are in high school to begin talking about careers. Middle school is an important time to expose students to different opportunities, help them identify their interests and strengths, and make them aware of the CTE pathways available through MUHSD and other county high schools.”

 

“Every student will pursue their individual pathway,” Lopez added. “Our high schools are doing an extraordinary job of expanding their CTE programs and providing students opportunities to pursue various pathways. Our education system continues to evolve, and we need to ensure that students not only graduate, but that we prepare them with the tools and skills needed to pursue their future.”

 

Gong felt it was so valuable having so many school districts represented at the event. “One of the most exciting parts of the day was having educators from so many districts in the same room talking about what career readiness can look like for students across Merced County,” Gong said. “There isn't one model that will work for every school or district, but we can establish a shared vision and learn from one another.”

 

Lopez agreed: “It is important that we continue to work together as a community rather than working in isolation or silos,” he said. “These opportunities allow us to work together towards a common goal. We learn from each other, build stronger relationships, share successful practices, and keep the focus on doing what is best for students. The entire Merced County educational system will be stronger because every school district is speaking a common language when it comes to college and career. Our students will be better prepared for life beyond our high school doors.”

 

Another collaborative K-12 alignment session is scheduled for Aug. 16th. “Teams will come back together on October 16 to continue the work, share what they have tried, and move further into K–12 pathway alignment,” Gong said.

 

MUHSD would like to give a special thanks to the event sponsors CaliforniaColleges, Central Valley Mother Lode Regional Consortium, K-12 Strong Workforce Program, WeWill! and Merced College.

 

Shawn Jansen is the MUHSD Program Manager Digital Media. He can be reached at Sjansen@muhsd.org.