Information for Parents
Parents play an important role in helping children determine their future careers. Encourage children to talk about their interests.
- Take children to work. By observing a work environment, children are introduced to skills needed for different jobs and what types of behaviors are expected in professional situations.
- Plan a trip to a local museum. Museums offer children a chance to be inspired by history, science, art and a variety of interesting topics. Children may consider careers that relate to the type of museums you visit; don't forget the museum staff as a resource. Many museums offer student discounts. To find a museum in your area, visit http://www.southcarolinamuseums.org
- Look it up on the Web. Information about any career can be found on the internet, from trade associations to company sites. Investigating these sites will give children a better understanding of the industries which interest the. Additionally, there are several reliable general career interest inventory sites, such as www.careervoyages.gov .
- Visit your local library. Reading helps children discover career options. Thinking about a career in public safety and security or is becoming an Au Pairs more your child's style? A career in health science or education may be a better choice. Not only can children explore various career options through books; may libraries offer Internet access and summer reading programs. To find the library near you, visit http://www.statelibrary.sc.gov/index.php?option=com_betacontent&Itemid=833
- Volunteer. Many organizations need volunteers. Volunteering is an effective way to highlight different jobs within a general field. For example, volunteering in a hospital exposes children to nurses, doctors, customer services representatives, administrative officials, and many types of technicians. Even babysitting helps kids discover new careers in child care and education.
- Take an Interest Inventory. Not sure what career your child might be interested in? Ask her to complete an interest inventory. Guidance and career specialists have many versions; they are also available on the internet.
- Find a summer job. Summer is the best time to explore various career options. Even if the job is not ideal. Simply working helps prepare students for the future by teaching them skills needed in different professions. Want to work for the government? Summer jobs are plentiful; visit http://www.acrnetwork.org/students/teens.htm . Learning to deal with co-workers, managers, and most importantly, the public are critical skills for everyone, regardless of the field.
- Look for career inspiration everywhere. If your children don't know what career they want to pursue, encourage them to be more observant. When they watch TV or a movie, discuss the jobs involved in what they are seeing. What would it take to be an actor in a soap opera? How do you get a job hosting a travel show? What skills do you need to be a movie director?
- Imagine the possibilities. Encourage children to dream; do you remember wanting to be a fireman, mailman, or police officer? Encourage children to think about all professions and explore all opportunities. Discuss various careers with family and friends. Plan trips to visit places, people, or professions that interest them and make a memorable summer vacation that might change your child's life.
85% of jobs require post-high school education. Without education and job skils, students are prepared to succeed in yesterday's world; not today's and not tomorrow's.
"Economic research shows that an educated workforce is the foundation of a stable economy. Studies find that regions that produce well-educated high school graduates have a higher rate of business start-ups and more economic activity. Education and skill training are the dominant factors in the future of economic development."
Together, we will maximize the collective strength of our local businesses, community, students, parents and educators to promote an educated workforce that will improve South Carolina's economy and quality of life.
Useful Links for Parents
General Information for Parents and Fast Facts
Youth need an awareness of available education and employment opportunities.
General Information for Parents and Fast Facts
School Calendars
The composite of local school calendars is a compilation of district start and end dates and holiday information.
Education and Economic Development Act (EEDA)
On May 27, 2005, Governor Mark Sanford signed the Education and Economic Development Act (EEDA), new legislation designed to give South Carolinians the educational tools they need to build prosperous, successful futures.
No Child Left Behind Act
No Child Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), is now known as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
Safe Schools and Youth Services
The services provided by the Office of Safe Schools and Youth Services work toward achieving quality education and safer schools through a wide variety of strategies and approaches.
Qualification for free/reduced meals
See Article 7 Qualification for free/reduced meals
SC Uniform Grading Scale
SC Uniform Grading Scale
SC Commission for Minority Affairs
The South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs was created to provide the citizenry with a single point of contact for information regarding the State's minority population.
New Carolina Declaration
New Carolina Declaration. We, the tenacious people of New Carolina, declare independence from mediocrity. We will reach beyond past mistakes and build on historic successes toward a bright future that lifts our families, our schools, our businesses. From this day forward, we will demonstrate a new will and forge a new way. With tireless passion, bold leadership and decisive action, we will silence the nay-sayers, the doubters, the cynics. We will encourage the innovators and teachers, and celebrate the courageous. In doing so, we will become a leader in public education, entrepreneurial success, personal income and quality of life. Each day we will reach for, and push each other, until one day the world will acknowledge us as ‘The New Land of Opportunity’. New energy. New ideas. New action. New Jobs.
South Carolina School Improvement Council
The South Carolina School Improvement Council serves as an advisory committee to a school's principal and faculty.