Overview

Estimated Time: 3 Class Periods
Unit: High School In Focus
Lesson: 4.8
Theme: Building Your Graduation Plan

Students synthesize everything they have learned throughout the unit by creating a personalized four-year high school graduation plan. Using their high school's course guide, students select courses that align with graduation requirements, diploma options, graduation pathways, and their future educational and career goals. Students also prepare thoughtful questions for their high school counselor, helping them become active participants in the scheduling process. This culminating lesson empowers students to enter high school with a clear, flexible plan and a deeper understanding of the decisions that will shape their educational journey.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson students will:

Demonstrate an understanding of Indiana graduation requirements by developing a four-year graduation plan.
Select courses that align with a chosen diploma option, graduation pathway, and future educational and career goals.
Calculate projected graduation credits and evaluate whether their plan meets diploma requirements.
Develop meaningful questions to guide conversations with a high school counselor during course scheduling.

Indiana Standards

PCC-5.1 – Develop an educational plan aligned with personal interests and career aspirations.

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

PCC-5.3 – Develop and revise educational and career plans based on evolving goals and opportunities.

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
"Draft Graduation Plan" sheet
"Graduation Pathways Checklist" sheet
Writing materials (pencil recommended)
Calculator (optional)

Teacher Preparation

Print copies of the "Draft Graduation Plan" and "Graduation Pathways Checklist" sheets.
Ensure every student has access to the current high school course guide and is familiar with the sections covering diploma requirements, recommended grade levels, graduation pathways, and course descriptions.
Review Indiana diploma requirements and Graduation Pathways so you are prepared to assist students as they build their four-year plans.
Prepare the "Giving Directions" introductory activity to reinforce the importance of planning ahead and creating a clear roadmap to a destination.
Plan opportunities for peer review and/or individual teacher conferences to help students refine their graduation plans before meeting with their high school counselor.
Remind students to complete their graduation plans in pencil, as schedules and goals may change over time and revisions are expected.

Lesson Flow

Hook / Warm-Up (Giving Directions Activity)
Mini Lesson: Understanding Graduation Planning
Building a Four-Year Graduation Plan
Graduation Pathways Review and Checklist
Counselor Questions and Reflection

Student Work Products

Students will complete:

"Draft Graduation Plan" sheet
"Graduation Pathways Checklist" sheet
List of questions for their high school counselor

External Resources

High school course guide
Indiana Graduation Pathways information
School counseling resources

Teacher Tips

Emphasize that the graduation plan is a working draft, not a permanent commitment. Encourage students to make thoughtful choices based on their current interests and goals while recognizing that plans naturally evolve as they gain new experiences and discover new opportunities. Guide students to use the course guide carefully, paying close attention to recommended grade levels, prerequisites, diploma requirements, and Graduation Pathways. Reinforce that creating and revising a graduation plan is an important life skill that supports informed decision-making throughout high school.

Lesson 4.8 - Building Your Graduation Plan