An investigation into the future.

Exploration was intended for career exploration when first begun in the Progressive Movement (early 20th century)

Has since expanded as we have changed from a factory model of education to a citizenship focus

Now includes real-life challenges and possibilities for the young adult

Give adolescents an opportunity to explore their interests, talents and skills within an educational environment

Allow the adolescent to discover who they are, what they might want to become and what is important to their belief system

Are the beginning of the adolescents’ journey into the adult world

Programs can address “intellectual curiosity, rapidly changing interests and diverse cognitive levels

Actually, research does not say much – not many studies have been attempted.

Exploratory courses are often not related to standards

Administrators and experiences teachers are typically unfamiliar with the concept

Parents are leery of this strange concept

Mini courses – typically a three-six week course such as CPR training, babysitting, karate or photography e.g.

School wide activity days – Earth day or Arbor day activities fall into this category

Activity periods – Regularly scheduled classes such as choir, drama, foreign language

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