§18-21A-1. Definitions.

As used in this article, unless used in a context that clearly requires a different meaning the term:

"Academic skills instruction" means instruction on skill sets required to discover and take advantage of educational opportunities, including, but not limited to: post-secondary education admissions requirements; employment rates and average salaries of graduates of vocational schools and higher education institutions; state, federal, and private scholarship and grant opportunities; and preparation of a college or technical school application.

"Career skills instruction" means instruction on skill sets required to discover and take advantage of employment opportunities, including, but not limited to: performing a job search; developing a résumé; preparing for a job interview; and developing and deploying personal networks to find job opportunities.

"Elective Course" means a one semester course in which a student may choose to enroll.

"Guest Speakers" mean individuals who are not employed by the middle school who the qualified instructor chooses to assist in meeting the pilot program objectives.

"Qualified instructor" means teachers and other middle school staff possessing a post-secondary degree. Additional certification or licensure are not required to instruct the course.

"Participating middle school" means any school containing the fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth grade that chooses to participate with the requirements of the pilot program.   

"Local Partners" means high schools, vocational schools, community and technical colleges, public universities, and any other state institutions of higher education that choose to provide speakers to participating middle schools upon the middle school’s request.

"On-Site Research" means on-site presentations and experiential learning at local employer job sites, job fairs, high schools, vocational schools, community and technical colleges, public and private universities, and other post-secondary academic institutions that introduce students to potential career paths.

"Personal Graduation Plan" means a student's formal written plan to become employable following high school.