Framework 2: Counseling on Postsecondary Education Opportunities (PSE)

  • Short Name: PreETS-PSE

  • ID Number: PRE-ETS-PSE-001

Description: Students explore education and training pathways available after high school, including technical programs, apprenticeships, community college, and four-year institutions. Early competencies focus on identifying types of postsecondary options and understanding basic admissions and training requirements.

As students progress, they evaluate programs based on cost, location, support services, and career alignment. Advanced competencies include comparing financial aid options, understanding credential pathways, and developing individualized postsecondary plans that align with employment goals.

Category 2.1: Self-Awareness & Postsecondary Pathways (PSE-SA)

ID Number: PSE-SA

Skill Topic 2.1.1: Options and Motivation for Postsecondary Education

  • ID Number: PSE-SA-OPTIONS

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. PSE-SA-OPTIONS-A1: Explain key benefits of pursuing education/training after high school.

    2. PSE-SA-OPTIONS-A2: Document personal motivation for continuing education.

    3. PSE-SA-OPTIONS-A3: Research a wide array of PSE avenues (Apprenticeships, Military, Community Colleges, CTPs, Job Corps, TCATs, Universities).

    4. PSE-SA-OPTIONS-A4: Contrast occupational vs. traditional academic credentials.

    5. PSE-SA-OPTIONS-A5: Align target job clusters with their required postsecondary routes.

    6. PSE-SA-OPTIONS-A6: Match personal diploma track (Regular, Occupational, Alternate Academic, Special Ed) with accessible PSE entrance requirements.

    7. PSE-SA-OPTIONS-A7: Use state LMI maps to analyze employment projections across different degree levels.

    8. PSE-SA-OPTIONS-A8: Isolate necessary transitional skills (academic, self-advocacy, independent living, social) needed to succeed in PSE.

    9. PSE-SA-OPTIONS-A9: List credentials, occupational certifications, or degrees offered by target inclusive higher education programs.

    10. PSE-SA-OPTIONS-A10: Match past work-based learning insights to narrow postsecondary academic focuses.

    11. PSE-SA-OPTIONS-A11: Present PSE and career targets to parents or personal support network.

    12. PSE-SA-OPTIONS-A12: Identify specific Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) transition services for PSE candidates.

Skill Topic 2.1.2: PSE Planning & Person-Centered Goal Setting

  • ID Number: PSE-SA-GOALS

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. PSE-SA-GOALS-A1: Define person-centered planning vocabulary (long/short-term goals, SMART criteria).

    2. PSE-SA-GOALS-A2: Actively lead or participate in person-centered planning meetings.

    3. PSE-SA-GOALS-A3: Author, log, and track personal short- and long-term PSE metrics.

    4. PSE-SA-GOALS-A4: List accommodations likely required within college/technical environments.

    5. PSE-SA-GOALS-A5: Review and update transitional goals on a regular schedule.

Skill Topic 2.1.3: Connecting Executive Functioning & Classroom Supports

  • ID Number: PSE-SA-EXEC

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. PSE-SA-EXEC-A1: Rate personal executive functioning skills (time management, task initiation, working memory, attention).

    2. PSE-SA-EXEC-A2: Select high school prep classes that build skills for target PSE plans.

    3. PSE-SA-EXEC-A3: Explain how personal learning style preferences shape accommodation requests.

    4. PSE-SA-EXEC-A4: Maintain a folder of current high school IEP/504 accommodations, tech, and learning style summaries.

    5. PSE-SA-EXEC-A5: Identify accommodations allowed on entrance/evaluation tests (SAT, ACT, basic skills, ASVAB) and the registration/submission rules.

    6. PSE-SA-EXEC-A6: Match current assistive technologies with their collegiate/TCAT equivalents.

    7. PSE-SA-EXEC-A7: Register for required entrance exams (if applicable).

    8. PSE-SA-EXEC-A8: Complete college entrance exams.

Category 2.2: Individualized Planning (PSE-IP)

ID Number: PSE-IP

Skill Topic 2.2.1: Gathering Information & Narrowing Avenues

  • ID Number: PSE-IP-GATHER

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. PSE-IP-GATHER-A1: Map major institutional differences between high school and PSE (schedules, grading, accommodation processes, student responsibilities, costs).

    2. PSE-IP-GATHER-A2: Filter list of target colleges/TCATs to confirm they offer pathways matching career goals.

    3. PSE-IP-GATHER-A3: Identify non-collegiate PSE options (apprenticeships, trade certificates, inclusive higher ed).

    4. PSE-IP-GATHER-A4: Cross-reference school options against key criteria (admission rules, size, location, campus life, housing, disability services, cost).

    5. PSE-IP-GATHER-A5: Attend a college fair with a targeted list of campuses and prepared questions.

    6. PSE-IP-GATHER-A6: Document key search data (deadlines, program lengths, criteria) using a spreadsheet or tracking database.

    7. PSE-IP-GATHER-A7: Navigate collegiate websites and participate in virtual tours.

    8. PSE-IP-GATHER-A8: Match personal academic transcripts against listed minimum entry requirements.

    9. PSE-IP-GATHER-A9: Record and compare actual tuition and auxiliary costs.

    10. PSE-IP-GATHER-A10: Review tuition, boarding, and material costs with family/support team to build a realistic list of options.

Skill Topic 2.2.2: Transitional Execution & Admission Steps

  • ID Number: PSE-IP-EXEC

  • Evidence / Performance Indicators:

    1. PSE-IP-EXEC-A1: Select which campuses will receive formal admission applications.

    2. PSE-IP-EXEC-A2: Build a master calendar tracking application steps (portal logins, reference requests, essays, fee waivers).

    3. PSE-IP-EXEC-A3: Gather references and academic transcripts for submission.

    4. PSE-IP-EXEC-A4: Draft and refine required college admission essays.

    5. PSE-IP-EXEC-A5: Submit complete college applications before deadlines.

    6. PSE-IP-EXEC-A6: Monitor applicant portals regularly and update status logs.

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