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Pilot Program Show Eight Graders the Power of Their Choices

"The Education Connection" Wallingford Public Schools Community Newsletter - Winter 2005

WALLINGFORD — "What do you want to be when you grow up"?

It's a question that's asked a thousands of times as children make their way through school. But thanks to a pilot program held in June, the eight graders at Dag Hamemarskjold Middle School learned that there was a second and more important question to answer: "What do you need to do now to get there?"

For two days, the students we immersed in an acclaimed seminar called Choices. Its goal is twofold: 1) to help young people understand the important of their academic decisions, not just for the marks they earn now, but for the adult they envision becoming, and 2) to develop their interest in learning so they can become an adult.

Engaging and relevant, Choices is highly interactive, requiring the students' active participation through the two days of the seminar. It begins by showing students that no matter what factors influence their lives, they hold the trump card because of self-discipline, the most important factor in their success and one of the few that is entirely under their control. Through role-playing, a mine game show and other fun exercises, they explore time and money management the connection between school and their future dreams and specific building blocks for success. They end by creating a plan to take charge of their lives, but underlying each step, Choices emphasizes that every choice they make now has consequences in the future.

Choices had its own trump card with its unusual choice of host presenters- trained volunteers from the Wallingford business community. Providing another ole model in addition to parents, teachers and celebrities, these professionals were able to inject a tangible dose of reality into the students' decisions by drawing from their own life experience.

Was it successful? Guidance counselor Gerri Katz thought it was invaluable. Hoping to see it become an annual event, she felt that "the kids reacted positively to the business people" and "most seemed enthusiastic". They also learned that, "you either choose your job or it chooses you".

The eight grade teachers who sat in on the program added their support, commenting that Choices offered "real world information", was "a good prep for 'Choices' at high school" and helped the students become "more aware of their future, that it was a reality".

Choices made a strong impact on students as well. "I'm going to do my best in high school because it will impact my life," wrote one. Another said, "I learned that it's totally my choices that help become who I want to be in the future", and "the further I go in education, the better opportunities I will get". The planning guide was particular popular and was referred to many time as a tool they'll be able to use in high school.

Gail McCormack, was underwrote the pilot program through the School to Career office, called the program a resounding success. "We were impressed the concept of this program and decided to give it a try. The overwhelmingly positive response fro everyone will hopefully encourage our middle schools and high schools to seriously consider adding this to their program. This was an important first step"

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