Overview

Estimated Time: 2 Class Periods
Unit: High School In Focus
Lesson: 4.5
Theme: Graduation Pathways: Post-Secondary Readiness - Certifications

Students explore how industry certifications can prepare them for both employment and postsecondary education while fulfilling Indiana's Post-Secondary Readiness Graduation Pathway. Through research using their high school's course guide, students investigate career pathway programs, identify certifications related to their career interests, and examine how certifications can provide valuable workplace skills and industry credentials before graduating from high school. This lesson helps students connect high school coursework to future career opportunities and lifelong learning.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson students will:

Explain the purpose of industry certifications and their role in Indiana's Post-Secondary Readiness Graduation Pathway.
Identify career pathway programs offered through their high school that align with their interests and career goals.
Research industry certifications available through high school programs and describe the careers they support.
Evaluate how certifications can strengthen career readiness and expand future educational and employment opportunities.

Indiana Standards

PCC-2.1 – Explore career clusters, career pathways, and related occupations.

PCC-3.1 – Explore postsecondary education and training opportunities related to career goals.

PCC-3.4 – Evaluate postsecondary options using personal interests, career goals, and financial considerations.

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
High school course guide
"Post-Secondary Readiness – Certifications" sheet
Writing materials (pen or pencil)

Teacher Preparation

Print copies of the "Post-Secondary Readiness – Certifications" sheet.
Review Indiana's Graduation Pathways requirements, with particular emphasis on the Post-Secondary Readiness requirement and the role of industry certifications.
Become familiar with the career pathway programs and industry certifications offered through your local high school so you can assist students during their research.
Review the high school course guide and identify where students can locate information about career pathway programs, certifications, and related courses.
Prepare the "Spot the Leader" introductory activity and be ready to facilitate a discussion connecting professionalism, credentials, and industry certifications.

Lesson Flow

Hook / Warm-Up (Spot the Leader)
Mini Lesson: Understanding Industry Certifications
Exploring High School Career Pathways
Researching Industry Certifications
Reflection and Class Discussion

Student Work Products

Students will complete:

"Post-Secondary Readiness – Certifications" sheet
Identification of a career pathway program aligned with their career interests
Research on multiple industry certifications available through their high school

External Resources

High school course guide
Indiana Graduation Pathways infographic
Local career center or career and technical education (CTE) program information

Teacher Tips

Emphasize that industry certifications are valuable credentials that can open doors to employment, apprenticeships, military service, and postsecondary education. Encourage students to view certifications as opportunities to build skills and demonstrate competency while still in high school. As students research career pathway programs, remind them that their current interests may change over time and that exploring multiple options now will help them make informed decisions in the future.

Lesson 4.5 - Graduation Pathways: Post-Secondary Readiness - Certifications