Frequently Asked Questions About CEO
1.
What is Career Exploration Opportunities (CEO)?
It’s
a statewide program originated by General Communications, Inc.
(GCI) to
provide career exploration and preparation opportunities to students in
grades
10, 11, and 12. The pilot program included five districts in 2004-2005,
proving valuable and appreciated by those involved. Most found it fun,
interesting, and challenging. Some students continued on to summer,
paid internships. The 2005-2006 program included more districts,
students, and businesses, as well as an opportunity for more in-depth
learning; 2006-2007 involved nine school sites in four districts, with
approximately seventy students; and 2007-2008 has seven sites in six
districts with approximately 120 students enrolled.
2. Who is eligible to participate?
All Alaska school districts are invited to participate, although the program design typically has rural students in mind. Selected districts commit to providing a local teacher/coach who works with sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in the year-long program. Internet access is required and videoconferencing capability is strongly recommended for participation.
3. Can students meet standards and earn credit through participation?
Yes, district teachers assess student work and decide how to measure proficiency and award credit based on completed activities and assignments of the CEO curriculum. It’s an alternative way for students to earn credit and meet standards, especially those related to career exploration, technology, writing, and reading.
4. How often do participants meet?
Locally, enrolled students typically meet daily, although some do so less frequently. Online, participants can meet with one another at any time. Districts are encouraged to schedule students for face-to-face interaction as part of a regularly scheduled class. Participants across the state are expected to meet as a large group every other week via videoconference. Program participation does requirea commitment of time, effort, and some local resources.
5. How do participants from various sites meet with one another?
Several technologies are used: Moodle is an e-learning portal used primarily for assignments and asynchronous communication; Web conferencing is used mostly for synchronous online interaction of small groups; video conferencing is used for allowing guest speakers and students to present and discuss critical topics every other week.
6. What does participation cost districts and/or students?
There is no fee. The program, originated by GCI, is now offered through Communities In Schools. It is supported by various businesses and organizations offering assistance in a variety of ways. Among those collaborating to make the program possible are: AT&T, BP, and DOLWD providing financial support, ACPE, ADLP, AVTEC, GCI, and Teachers4Schools providing in-kind support.
Districts do provide a teacher/mentor to work closely with enrolled students. This person is critical to helping students get maximum value from their participation.
7. What is the role of the teacher/mentor?
Adults in the program should also have an interest in career exploration and be dedicated to helping students discover and prepare for satisfying and rewarding careers. The teacher/mentor role is critical; it's also a professional growth opportunity for those who like hands-on experience with new technologies for learning.
8. Will students and teachers learn to use the technologies during the program?
Yes, training is provided and everyone continues learning to use these tools throughout the school year. There’s a lot of “hands on learning” and “on the job training” involved. The skills, attitudes, and values emphasized and used during the program will be those helpful for employment.
9. Is the program totally self-paced, meaning students could complete the work in one semester rather than two?
No. Although there is plenty of opportunity for students to pace themselves, the program is designed around topics that are introduced, explored, and discussed over a two-semester timeline. A calendar of topics and events is available online for all participants.
10. Can any high school student be successful in the program?
Those who are self-motivated and disciplined, interested in exploring career opportunities, and dedicated to spending the time required to do the work will definitely benefit from participation. There is considerable reading and writing involved -- much of it online -- so it’s helpful if students are comfortable using computers. Assistance and support are available from teachers, peers, and program staff. Any student who tries hard will experience some success and satisfaction.
11. Who can provide more information?
Jim Utter, CIS Special Projects Director, jutter@alaska.net
Carol Goltz, CEO Coordinator, cgoltz@ceo.schoolaccess.net
2. Who is eligible to participate?
All Alaska school districts are invited to participate, although the program design typically has rural students in mind. Selected districts commit to providing a local teacher/coach who works with sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in the year-long program. Internet access is required and videoconferencing capability is strongly recommended for participation.
3. Can students meet standards and earn credit through participation?
Yes, district teachers assess student work and decide how to measure proficiency and award credit based on completed activities and assignments of the CEO curriculum. It’s an alternative way for students to earn credit and meet standards, especially those related to career exploration, technology, writing, and reading.
4. How often do participants meet?
Locally, enrolled students typically meet daily, although some do so less frequently. Online, participants can meet with one another at any time. Districts are encouraged to schedule students for face-to-face interaction as part of a regularly scheduled class. Participants across the state are expected to meet as a large group every other week via videoconference. Program participation does requirea commitment of time, effort, and some local resources.
5. How do participants from various sites meet with one another?
Several technologies are used: Moodle is an e-learning portal used primarily for assignments and asynchronous communication; Web conferencing is used mostly for synchronous online interaction of small groups; video conferencing is used for allowing guest speakers and students to present and discuss critical topics every other week.
6. What does participation cost districts and/or students?
There is no fee. The program, originated by GCI, is now offered through Communities In Schools. It is supported by various businesses and organizations offering assistance in a variety of ways. Among those collaborating to make the program possible are: AT&T, BP, and DOLWD providing financial support, ACPE, ADLP, AVTEC, GCI, and Teachers4Schools providing in-kind support.
Districts do provide a teacher/mentor to work closely with enrolled students. This person is critical to helping students get maximum value from their participation.
7. What is the role of the teacher/mentor?
Adults in the program should also have an interest in career exploration and be dedicated to helping students discover and prepare for satisfying and rewarding careers. The teacher/mentor role is critical; it's also a professional growth opportunity for those who like hands-on experience with new technologies for learning.
8. Will students and teachers learn to use the technologies during the program?
Yes, training is provided and everyone continues learning to use these tools throughout the school year. There’s a lot of “hands on learning” and “on the job training” involved. The skills, attitudes, and values emphasized and used during the program will be those helpful for employment.
9. Is the program totally self-paced, meaning students could complete the work in one semester rather than two?
No. Although there is plenty of opportunity for students to pace themselves, the program is designed around topics that are introduced, explored, and discussed over a two-semester timeline. A calendar of topics and events is available online for all participants.
10. Can any high school student be successful in the program?
Those who are self-motivated and disciplined, interested in exploring career opportunities, and dedicated to spending the time required to do the work will definitely benefit from participation. There is considerable reading and writing involved -- much of it online -- so it’s helpful if students are comfortable using computers. Assistance and support are available from teachers, peers, and program staff. Any student who tries hard will experience some success and satisfaction.
11. Who can provide more information?
Jim Utter, CIS Special Projects Director, jutter@alaska.net
Carol Goltz, CEO Coordinator, cgoltz@ceo.schoolaccess.net
Updated 1/2/08