Increasing Opportunities for Career Exploration and Preparation
At School District 197, we are dedicated to preparing every student for success beyond high school. Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, students have the opportunity to build a foundation of academic excellence, explore various interests and talents, and find their pathway of purpose upon high school graduation.
School District 197 Career & College Readiness Vision:
Increase E-12 opportunities for career exploration and preparation.
Building Pathways to Success Through College and Career and Readiness
Our ongoing College and Career Readiness (CCR) efforts in grades 7 through 12 focus on building multiple pathways, complete with flexible on-ramps and off-ramps, to support students' educational journeys. With our new middle school schedule, we’re expanding middle school elective offerings to nearly 20 courses—providing additional opportunities for students to explore their strengths and interests earlier.
At the high school level, we've broadened our course offerings to encompass 13 new classes this academic year, totaling nearly 175 options. Courses like Computer-Aided Drafting, AP Government and Politics, and Mass Media and Modern Culture diversify our curriculum to cater to students' interests and aspirations.
We’re building pathways and providing resources in a supportive environment so that when students leave high school, they have at least three options they can pursue: College, Career and TEchnical Education (CTE) and training, or finding success in the workforce.
Three ways we're helping students get career and college-ready
Concurrent Enrollment (CE)
Enables high school students to take college classes and get credit for both high school and college. At Two Rivers, we offer 15 CE courses; next year, we’ll have nearly 20. For example, Guitar Techniques, an elective in the Orchestra program, is one class where students can earn three college credits through Inver Hills Community College.
Work-Based Learning
Helps students bridge the gap between what they learn in school and their paid work experience, all while they're still in school. Led by Ann Henry at Two Rivers, the program is a revival of the original On-the-Job Training (OJT), which had declined significantly over the past two decades. Upon completion, students receive personalized career support and earn college credit at Dakota County Technical College.
Workforce Credentials
Provides students with the chance to obtain industry credentials during the school day. At Two Rivers, we offer an on-site Certified Nursing Assistant Program. This program allows students to achieve full certification as entry-level nursing assistants in one semester. The course is concurrently enrolled with Inver Hills Community College, enabling students who complete it to earn five college credits.
College and Career Readiness In School District 197
CONTACT INFORMATION
Cari Jo Drewitz
Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment carijo.drewitz@isd197.org
Miles Lawson
Secondary Curriculum and Gifted and Talented Coordinator miles.lawson@isd197.org
Katie Shetka
Elementary Curriculum Coordinator Katherine.Shetka@isd197.org