School Counseling MyCap Curriculum Map

Grades 8-12

UHS School Counseling Department

Purpose: To guide students in their academic, career, and personal development. To prepare students for post-secondary options by progressively building skills in career exploration, academic planning, and goal setting, ensuring they are equipped for success beyond high school. Additionally, the curriculum promotes parental involvement and cultural responsiveness to support all students in achieving their aspirations.

Expectations: The School Counseling curriculum for grades 8-12 should be comprehensive, interactive, and tailored to meet the developmental needs of students at each grade level. Lessons/directions will be guided by School Counselors. Students will complete personalized activities (including interest surveys, career exploration, etc).

When to Implement: The School Counseling curriculum will be implemented throughout the school year, by pushing into the classrooms twice per year - once in each semester, for each grade level.

Grade	Lesson	Domain	Objectives	Resources & Websites	Date Completed
8	Minute Meetings	Social Emotional Learning	Building rapport Understanding background and needs Identifying interests & strengths Promoting self-awareness Introducing resources Encouraging engagement		September
8	Preparing for the Transition to High School	Social Emotional Learning & Academic Skills	Investigate courses that align with their favorite subjects, talents, and interests Identify questions and concerns they have about entering high school Explore clubs, activities, and other resources to help handle the transition to high school	MEFA Pathway Website Lesson	October
8	Course Selection	Academic Skills College & Career Exploration	Meeting requirement Exploring interests Skill development Post secondary readiness Personalization Challenge & growth Supporting future goals		March
8	Creating a High School Road Map	College & Career Exploration	Learn how courses align with graduation requirements and post-high school plans Learn about CTE programs and determine if they will go to a vocational or technical high school Learn about MassCore requirements Review their favorite subjects Start to develop their course schedule based on graduation requirements and post-high school plans	MEFA Pathway Website Lesson	June
9	Learning Styles	Social Emotional Learning	Explore visual, auditory, and tactile learning styles Identify their preferred learning style Use their learning style to create an academic goal to support high school success	MEFA Pathway Website Lesson	October
9	Strengths Explorer	Self Awareness, Career Exploration	Identify personal strengths Increase self-awareness Guide academic and career planning Encourage personal growth and development		March
9	Course Selection	Academic Skills College & Career Exploration	Meeting requirement Exploring interests Skill development Post secondary readiness Personalization Challenge & growth Supporting future goals		March
10	Reality Check	College & Career Exploration	Explore career options and realities Understand the financial implications of career choices Set realistic and achievable career goals Enhance decision making abilities	Mass CIS MEFA Pathway	November
10	Course Selection	Academic Skills College & Career Exploration	Meeting requirement Exploring interests Skill development Post secondary readiness Personalization Challenge & growth Supporting future goals	PowerSchool	March
10	Career Interest Profiler				April
11	Do what you are				December
11	Post Secondary Planning Seminar	College & Career Exploration	Post secondary education preparation Academic planning and achievement Self-awareness and career exploration		January
11	Junior Parent Night	College & Career Exploration	Early planning Exploration Academic Preparedness Test Preparation Introduction to Financial Aid Building a strong foundation		February
11	Course Selection	Academic Skills College & Career Exploration	Meeting requirement Exploring interests Skill development Post secondary readiness Personalization Challenge & growth Supporting future goals	PowerSchool	March
11	Junior 1:1	College & Career Exploration	Goal clarification Exploring options Academic planning Develop a timeline	Naviance	March-June
12	Senior Year College Planning Checklist	College & Career Exploration	Review the senior year timeline Learn the steps of applying for college Learn about deadlines and guidelines Listen to peers’ experiences applying to college		September
12	Senior Parent Night	College & Career Exploration	College application process Financial Aid Education Post-secondary options Career Options College Admissions Tests Emotional Support Parental Involvement		September
12	Senior 1:1	College & Career Exploration Academic Skills	College & career planning Academic progress & support Application assistance Transition Planning Problem solving & support	Naviance Common App	September - May

What is the MEFA Pathway Website used for?

MEFA Pathway is Massachusetts’ free online portal designed to help students plan for academic success through middle school, high school, and beyond. Available to students from every corner of the Commonwealth, as well as counselors and parents, MEFA Pathway provides an array of tools and resources to create an informative and engaging web experience.

Through a seamless integration of interactive features, fun and revealing assessments, and informative step-by-step guides, MEFA Pathway offers an ongoing process of discovery. Students will use state-of-the-art technologies to plan how to make the most of their secondary school educational experience and the opportunities that await them.

MEFA Pathway serves as the “connective tissue” of Massachusetts’ college and career planning initiatives, created by MEFA, the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, and with the support of the Commonwealth’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Higher Education.