Possible Career Choices in the School System - Term Paper Example

Formal report due: Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Purpose 3 Sources and methods 4 Report organization 4 Career one: Curriculum/training specialist 4 Introduction and background information 4 Job description 5 Training needed 5 Career two: School Social worker 6 Introduction and background information 6 Job description 6 Training needed 7 Conclusion 7 Bibliography 8 Introduction Young people find themselves faced with uncertainties in their career choice resulting from the ever-changing society. The path to career choice is not an easy one. This is mainly because of the knowledge gap that exists in society. Many times, especially young adults who are getting to higher education have to grapple with the challenge of choosing the right career in their life. It is one experience that often leaves them with more questions than answers in their pursuit of their desired life’s choices. Sweet and Watts (2004) points out that the provision of career guidance services is usually expensive and it is also limited in terms of access. They also examine the shortcomings that can present themselves when offered only by schools. From their perspective, this should be done with the help from external agencies that are well versed with current trends. These factors point to a gap among young people when making-up choices about their careers. In a report by Caroline St. John-Brooks and Center for Educational Research and Innovation, it is clear that there is a need to equip young to understand their abilities (Saint, 1995). This is to allow them to have a smooth change over from school to work. It asserts that the role of the counselor is to help an individual in making changes according to the changing society and demands. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to inform people about the importance of career guidance. This is aimed at helping career counselors as well as those involved in the process of the career guidance to reach informed decisions about their life. It also offers insights into two careers namely; curriculum specialist and social work that are discussed as possible career choices. Sources and methods Primary and secondary literature materials will be used to gather data necessary for this study. This includes the use of books and reports. The report used is called Curriculum leaders: Improving their influence: a report from the ASCD Working Group on the Role, Function, and Preparation of the Curriculum Worker. This report discusses the task that a Curriculum specialist has to perform in any organization. Books used include Choosing a career in teaching is consulted to determine curriculum specialists job description, Education and Related Services is used to analyze training of Curriculum specialists, Educational administration: Concepts and practices is employed to reveal the practices of a curriculum specialist, The school counseling and school social work treatment planner and The domains and demands of school social work practice: A guide to Working effectively with students, families, and schools are consulted to show the role of a social worker in a school system, 101 careers in social work is used as a literature source to reveal the job description and duties of a social worker. Report organization First, the study under scrutiny will be introduced, and the purpose explained. The literature sources will be outlined. Next, the report will talk about two different careers having the introduction and background information of the career, training and skills needed and their areas of specialization in the job market. Conclusion on the study will be written lastly. Career one: Curriculum/training specialist Introduction and background information Curriculum specialists are very important people in any education system. This is because there is a requirement to have policies in place that respond to the needs of the society. This is done through ensuring that we have a dynamic education system that addresses problems and emerging issues (Calhoun, 2000). Job description The functions of a curriculum specialist are as follows. First, they are involved in coming up with the curriculum to be followed and training of teachers who ensure proper implementation of the government’s policies. Second, they also deal with the formulation and selection of teaching materials likes books used for instruction. Third, the specialists evaluate the effectiveness of the system work mainly by assessing both the teacher and student. They also engage in allocation of funds for particular projects fall under them as well as procurement of instructional materials (Lunenburg & Ornstein, 2012). These specialists periodically adjust the standards due to changes in educational programs and other dynamics. They also keep updated in areas of their specialization to respond to needs and new trends that are emerging (Christensen et al., 1976). Training needed Curriculum specialists must undergo formal training just like any other career. However, in this field there are some prerequisites needed before one pursues this line of training. Most of them start their careers first as teachers and eventually end up as specialists. For those without this area of expertise than a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is a necessity. They cover areas involving curriculum courses, management, and instruction and so on (Echaore-McDavid, 2006). Additional skills and personality traits are important in this field. Writing skills are very useful in this area and being analytical because the job entails responding to issues critically. Good organization, management and leadership skills come in handy when dealing with other people that an individual works with. Confidence, enthusiasm, dedication, creativity, and energy are skills that the one must also have. In addition, communication, interpersonal skills and teamwork are also adequate in this kind of job. This ensures that apart from formal training you are able to work closely with others to achieve set out goals. Career two: School Social worker Introduction and background information Social workers are people that are involved in helping others with some difficulty to overcome them. These range from domestic issues to personal problems, the disabled and those who are ailing among others. This is an old career that goes back to many years ago that arose from the need to care for the underprivileged in the society. Though it was done informally back then, it later emerged as a discipline in later years that saw it taught as a course to attend to numerous needs arising that the need to be addressed (Ritter, 2009). Job description Some of the duties and responsibilities of school social workers include; providing counseling to students, recommend referrals for cases that need specialized help, offer students assessment, and extending their service to students and their families. School social workers also assist children in dealing with problems that lead to failure. Identifying vulnerable children and special needs cases is part of their job. They also worked in consultation especially in crisis as well as help in effective program formulation at the school level (Knapp & Jongsma, 2002). Another function of a school social worker may involve admitting new students, reviewing their progress and expulsion of students with special needs. School social workers mainly work with individuals in discharging their duties but may also use groups in meeting the students’ needs. They also engage in training and building capacities for school staff. Training needed An individual becomes a certified social worker through study that will involve earning a diploma, bachelor’s or masters degree in social work. The study needs specialization because it has many disciplines in it such as counseling, human development and community. This is necessitated by the fact that social workers among different target groups in the society (Kelly, 2008). Apart from the trained needed a school social worker must have some special skills and personality traits. These go a long way in ascertaining the effectiveness of the work because formal training is not just enough for them. Communication is a key skill that they must possess because they mostly work in teams with other members of the school. An individual needs to possess good listening skills in order to journey well with a student. One must also be responsible in discharging their duties, committed, empathetic and above all respectful. Conclusion Based on this research, two possible career choices in the school system for proper advice development and guidance are School Social worker and Curriculum/training specialist. These careers are involved in curriculum change and reform, by making informed choices and exploring the advantages and shortcomings in the system. Thus, these careers offer social cohesion, and make education a sustainable development plan. Bibliography ASCD Working Group on the Role, Function, and Preparation of the Curriculum Worker., & Christensen, D. J. (1976). Curriculum leaders: Improving their influence : a report from the ASCD Working Group on the Role, Function, and Preparation of the Curriculum Worker. Washington: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Calhoun, F. (2000). Choosing a career in teaching. New York: Rosen Pub. Group. Echaore-McDavid, S. (2006). Education and Related Services. New York: Infobase Pub. Kelly, M. S. (2008). The domains and demands of school social work practice: A guide to working effectively with students, families, and schools. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Knapp, S. E., & Jongsma, A. E. (2002). The school counseling and school social work treatment planner. Hoboken, N.J: J. Wiley & Sons. Lunenburg, F. C., & Ornstein, A. C. (2012). Educational administration: Concepts and practices. Saint, J. B. C. (1995). Schools under scrutiny. Paris: OECD. Sweet, R., & Watts, T. (2004). Career guidance and public policy: Bridging the gap. Paris: OECD. Ritter, J. A., Vakalahi, H. F. O., & Kiernan-Stern, M. (2009). 101 careers in social work. New York: Springer Pub. Co. Read More