Preparing students for success in college, career and civic life isn’t just our mission on a piece of paper, we put it into practice every day! Our College and Career Readiness (CCR) program creates opportunities for our students to apply their learning in authentic and relevant ways. Starting with our youngest students all the way through high school, this program shows our commitment to providing quality instruction to build the foundation for future success.
CCR Coordinator
Darell Butcher started as the Southeast Polk CCR Coordinator in 2019 after serving for 13 years as one of our SEP Jr. High counselors. He completed his undergraduate degree at NWMSU in psychology/sociology and got his master’s degree from Buena Vista University. He shared that it’s a misconception that College and Career Readiness is just at the high school. Our CCR program starts in elementary school, continues through junior high and concludes in high school. The CCR Career Development curriculum has 3 phases:
Work Based Learning Program
The Department of Education (DoE) visited SEP earlier this fall to learn more about our Work Based Learning (WBL) program. These classes provide an authentic learning experience.
“People are starting to take notice,” Butcher shared.
Just recently, he has presented at several local events, including Lead Des Moines, Good Government for Pleasant Hill, and the Master Builders of Iowa podcast. He’ll be a part of a DMACC roundtable in February.
The SEP WBL Program includes:
To read more about the DoE visit to SEP, click here: https://www.southeastpolk.org/news/2023/09/sep-students-highlighted-in-wbl-tour/
Butcher shared that there are several exciting things on the horizon for the WBL program including more registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs, more school-to-work opportunities, and more educational opportunities for families regarding how to afford college.
Skilled Trades Extension Center
One extremely exciting thing that’s happening right now is the new, totally donation-funded Skilled Trades Extension Center! This building, which is completely funded by generous donations from local organizations, will give our students the space they need to get the hands-on experience required for several of the new registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship courses. Imagine, our students will be able to build a complete tiny home in the dead of winter, learning about electrical, plumbing, roofing, etc.! See more here: [link to that story still being drafted]
Upcoming Events
There are several exciting and informational CCR events coming soon!
November 28, 2023
December 2023
February 27, 2024
April 2024
Butcher shared, “My favorite part of my job as CCR Coordinator is seeing students finding their spark, their niche and getting excited about coming to school. Chronic absenteeism is a nationwide concern. Our WBL gives students purpose and a reason to come to school.”
Check out our latest All Things SEP Podcast! Dr. Dirk Halupnik gets the scoop from Darell on All Things SEP CCR! All Things SEP – College and Career Readiness Program
Stay tuned to learn more about SEP’s unique educational opportunities, which ensure our students’ success in college, careers, and civic life!
