The Virginia State Board of Education recently enacted a policy that requires middle school students to structure their future educational plans, specifically those regarding college educations and careers.
The board approved the revision as part of its regulations that govern the commonwealth's diploma requirements, said Charles Pyle, director of communications for the Virginia Department of Education.
"It was Gov. [Tim] Kaine's suggestion that the board include in the revision a requirement that every student beginning in middle school to have an academic and career plan," Pyle said.
Ultimately, the policy's goal is to equip students with a more precise direction for their future college and career goals, he noted.
"If you have no goal at all, there's a real tendency for people to spin in circles," said Lisa Morales, Charlottesville High School counseling department chair. "If you have a goal - even if you change it every two weeks - it at least keeps you going somewhere."
School counselors will help develop a focus on long-term goals earlier in a student's life with the intent of better structuring students' futures, Morales said.
The policy is about "getting kids to think early that it matters, and there is a step by step process to reach your goals," Morales said.
One of the policy's goals is to create more college-ready students, she added.
"There was a real change in philosophy," Morales said. "Twenty to 30 years ago we were told colleges wanted well-rounded kids, but now we are told colleges want focused kids, who at least know what their first post-college job will be."
A student's set goals, however, will not be permanent, as it is expected that one's plans may change as education progresses.
"The idea is not to expect middle school students to commit to a plan that is going to bind them through middle school and beyond," Pyle said. "Far from it, we all recognize that young people are going to change their mind."
University Dean of Admissions Greg Roberts said early planning can prove helpful during the college search process.
"I think academic preparation is crucial for students as they plan for college, even if it's prior to high school," Roberts said. "Often courses they take in the seventh and eighth grades dictate the types and levels of courses they can take in high school."
The board also hopes to use the policy to direct students' elective choices. Morales said many students choose to take electives solely because their friends are taking them, as opposed to choosing classes that will help to create a foundation for their future.
Roberts added that although he supports college preparation, he does not want commonwealth officials to put too much pressure on students too early.
"We want to be careful not to put too much pressure on students about the college application process prior to high school but developing an academic plan in middle school is a good idea in my opinion," he said.
The new policy will go into effect for the 2010-11 academic year.
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