This CTE foundation course is a one or two-semester class for grades 7-8 designed to teach career development through research and understanding of self and the world of work for college and career readiness. Career research and decision-making with education and training plans for exploration and development will be core standards. Students will be knowledgeable of career options, and the personal skills, aptitudes, and employer expectations of future careers of choice. Students will identify personal traits and characteristics for a better understanding of self in their pursuit of finding a meaningful, fulfilling, and rewarding career. Through better recognition and understanding of personal interests, values, aptitudes, and abilities students can assess how they relate to the world of work in order to acquire the skills necessary for appropriate placement in the workforce. In addition, students will demonstrate the use of technology to gather information about careers and demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which work, family, and leisure roles are interrelated. Students shall develop a career focus with viable expectations for success based upon careful research, consistent planning, and employment preparation.