This week is an important time for Dallas ISD eighth-graders: they are in the middle of selecting a career endorsement that will guide the courses they take in grades 9-12 and, possibly, where they attend high school. The Pick Your Path process began on Monday with middle schools staffs escorting eighth-graders to visit exhibits and talk with high school representatives to help students choose one of five career endorsements.
Legislation known as HB 5 requires students entering ninth grade to select an endorsement in Arts and Humanities; Business and Industry; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM); Multidisciplinary Studies; or Public Services.
Students’ selections should take into account their aptitude, career interests and plans for higher education. It’s important to know that each endorsement requires students to take a prescribed list of courses to prepare them to attend a college or pursue a career in that field. Parents are encouraged to review the list of endorsements and assist their student in making an appropriate selection. Different high schools offer the various endorsements. To see a list and explanation of endorsements, go here.
Naviance is a self-discovery and college interest/application tool designed to help parents and students select an endorsement that complements their individual strengths, learning styles and career interests. Families can go here to learn more about Naviance and register to access the software. School counselors are another resource to help in this process.
Following the Pick Your Path events, the week will culminate with the annual Magnet and Public School Choice Fair where, this year, parents can obtain information about magnet schools as well as public school choice options.
Parents are invited to accompany their students to the fair from 9 a.m. to noon, Sat., Dec. 5, at Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S. Polk St.
Questions about the magnet programs can be directed to the Office of Magnets and Special Programs at (972) 925-8936. For more information about choice school programs, call (972) 925-3306.
