Overview

Estimated Time: 1 Class Period (50 minutes)
Unit: High School In Focus
Lesson: 4.4
Theme: Graduation Pathways: Employability Skills

Students explore Indiana's Employability Skills Graduation Pathway by learning about the three types of qualifying experiences: Project-Based, Service-Based, and Work-Based learning. Through discussion, reflection, and planning, students evaluate each pathway, consider the skills they hope to develop, and identify experiences that align with their interests and future career goals. The lesson helps students recognize that meaningful experiences beyond the classroom are an important part of preparing for success after high school.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson students will:

Explain the purpose of Indiana's Employability Skills Graduation Pathway.
Distinguish between Project-Based, Service-Based, and Work-Based learning experiences.
Evaluate the employability experience that currently best aligns with their interests and career goals.
Identify the skills and knowledge they hope to gain through participation in an employability experience.

Indiana Standards

PCC-2.3 – Identify the courses, experiences, and achievements necessary to prepare for future career goals.

PCC-4.1 – Use career information and resources to support career exploration and planning.

PCC-5.2 – Demonstrate the ability to locate, interpret, and apply information from career and educational resources.

PCC-5.4 – Use educational planning resources to make informed academic and career decisions.

Before You Begin:

Student Materials

Device with internet access
"Graduation Pathways: Employability Skills" sheet
Writing materials (pen or pencil)

Teacher Preparation

Print copies of the "Graduation Pathways: Employability Skills" sheet.
Review Indiana's Graduation Pathways requirements, with particular emphasis on the Employability Skills requirement and the three qualifying experience types: Project-Based, Service-Based, and Work-Based learning.
Prepare a "Never Have I Ever" activity using lighthearted, age-appropriate prompts that focus on everyday experiences. (Avoid prompts related to family situations, finances, health, discipline, or other sensitive topics.)
Review examples of project-based, service-based, and work-based experiences so you can help students distinguish between the three options and discuss how each develops workplace skills.
Prepare to share the Indiana Graduation Pathways infographic or other visual resources that explain the state's graduation requirements.

Lesson Flow

Hook / Warm-Up (Never Have I Ever)
Mini Lesson: Indiana's Employability Skills Graduation Pathway
Exploring Project-Based, Service-Based, and Work-Based Experiences
Completing the "Graduation Pathways: Employability Skills" Sheet
Reflection and Class Discussion

Student Work Products

Students will complete:

"Graduation Pathways: Employability Skills" sheet
Reflection identifying the employability experience that currently best aligns with their interests and goals

External Resources

Indiana Graduation Pathways infographic
High school course guide (if applicable)

Teacher Tips

Help students understand that there is no single "best" employability experience. Encourage them to explore each option based on their interests, strengths, and career aspirations rather than choosing what they think others expect. Emphasize that these experiences are opportunities to develop valuable workplace skills, build confidence, and apply classroom learning in authentic settings. As students complete the activity, remind them that their interests and goals may evolve, and their future plans can change as they gain new experiences.

Lesson 4.4 - Graduation Pathways: Employability Skills