A foundational career exploration lesson for 9th and 10th graders connecting personal interests, natural strengths, and core work values to emerging career pathways and high-demand industries.
Career Codebreaker Assessment System • Pre-Test Form A Page 1 of 1
6. Personal Horizon Commitment: Identify one career pathway you explored today that aligns with your top RIASEC code. What is one specific elective or extracurricular you will register for next term to test this pathway?
Target Career Pathway:
Planned Elective / Club:
Career Codebreaker Assessment System • Post-Test Form B Page 1 of 1
Core Daily Tasks (What do they actually do?):
STEP 5
High School Tactical Action Plan
You don't have to wait until graduation. What actions can you take right now during 9th and 10th grade to build momentum?
Academic Course Selections: 2 specific electives, AP, CTE, or dual-credit courses:
School Clubs / Teams / Extracurriculars: 1 club, sport, or volunteer group to join:
Independent Skill Development: 1 technical or creative tool to learn (e.g., Python, Figma):
Professional Exploration Contact: 1 adult/mentor to interview about their job:
STEP 6
My 90-Day Career Exploration SMART Goal
Prompt: Write a specific, actionable goal you will complete within the next 90 days (e.g., attend career fair, shadow a professional for half a day, complete 5 modules of a coding tutorial, draft a resume).
Career Codebreaker Blueprint • Student Handout Page 2 of 2 (Keep this in your High School Portfolio)
Pre & Post Test Keys & Rubrics
Grading Keys, Scoring Criteria, and Inclusive Learning Accommodations
Answer Key Standards Aligned
Pre-Test Answer Key (Baseline)
1. B — Transferable skills apply across different jobs and industries.
2. C — Investigative (I) focuses on analytical puzzles, data, and science.
3. B — Digital Community Manager & Interactive Experience Strategist.
4. Matching: 1 = C (Interest), 2 = A (Value), 3 = B (Skill).
5. Open Diagnostic Rubric (0–3 pts): 1 pt for valid hobby; 1 pt for logical career connection; 1 pt for actionable 9th/10th grade skill (e.g., public speaking, coding basics, editing).
Post-Test Answer Key (Mastery)
1. B — Realistic (hands-on/outdoors) & Investigative (biology/chemistry testing).
2. B — Transferable skills adapt across changing economies and industries.
3. C — Conventional (C) organizes databases, schedules, and systems.
4. B — AP Computer Science Principles, Discrete Math, and Robotics Club.
5. Synthesis (2 pts): Explains that interest drives engagement and values provide purpose; salary without alignment often causes burnout and dissatisfaction.
6. Commitment (1 pt): Names a realistic pathway and specific elective or extracurricular.
Open Response Scoring Rubric (Questions 5 & 6)
Exemplary (Full Credit) Clearly explains the intersection of passion, skill, and workplace value. Cites specific course or club with tangible rationale.
Developing (Partial Credit) Identifies a career but provides vague reasoning (e.g., "I just like it") or lists generic classes without direct connection.
Needs Revision (0 Credit) Leaves response blank, gives non-serious responses, or fails to connect interests to any identifiable skill or action.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Differentiation
Multilingual Learners (ELL) Provide RIASEC archetypes with visual icon cards; allow bilingual dictionaries for career terms like "logistics" and "arbitrator."
IEP / 504 Accommodations Allow verbal transcription for short response items; provide pre-highlighted RIASEC checklists with reduced sentence density.
Advanced / Extension Have students search the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook for projected 10-year job growth and median pay.
Career Codebreaker Educator Guide • Answer Keys & Differentiation Page 2 of 2
