Maryland task force develops new metrics for career coaching effectiveness

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) held a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Committee meeting on January 30, 2025, focusing on the implementation of career coaching and counseling initiatives for students. The meeting, which lasted from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., addressed key definitions, metrics for success, and future steps in enhancing career guidance for middle and high school students.

The meeting began with discussions on the definitions of career coaching activities, emphasizing the need for flexibility in program design while ensuring comprehensive guidance. Participants highlighted the importance of individualized career counseling, noting that while one-on-one sessions are ideal, they may not be feasible in all schools due to student-to-coach ratios. Instead, group activities tailored to students' interests were proposed as effective alternatives.

A significant topic was the introduction of a six-year career plan, which aims to start in middle school and guide students through their educational and career pathways. This plan is intended to be personalized and updated annually, ensuring it reflects each student's strengths and interests. MSDE plans to provide templates and further guidance on this initiative in the coming year.

The committee also discussed the importance of equitable access to career counseling services for all students, including those in alternative education programs and virtual learning environments. The goal is to ensure that every student receives the same quality of information and opportunities to explore various career options.

Metrics for evaluating the effectiveness of career coaching were categorized into three types: implementation metrics, impact metrics, and long-term student outcomes. Implementation metrics focus on resources allocated to career counseling, while impact metrics assess the outcomes of these resources. Long-term outcomes, however, remain challenging to define and measure, prompting discussions on how to effectively capture the success of career coaching initiatives over time.

Participants emphasized the need to engage with the business community to understand their perspectives on workforce preparedness and to track employer sentiment regarding the effectiveness of the career coaching programs. The committee acknowledged the importance of establishing clear metrics that not only track student participation but also measure the long-term impact on students' career success.

In addition to career coaching discussions, the meeting included updates on state initiatives aimed at expanding registered apprenticeships. The governor's apprenticeship pledge aims to recruit 500 employers and 5,000 apprentices by next year, while new legislation seeks to establish the Maryland Office of Registered Apprenticeship Development to facilitate participation in apprenticeship programs.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining the career coaching framework and metrics, with plans to reconvene for further discussions and potential voting on the initiatives. The committee expressed enthusiasm for the progress made and the potential impact of these programs on creating equitable opportunities for all students in Maryland.