October 8, 2008
Dear County and District Superintendents and Charter School Administrators:
ARMED SERVICES VOCATIONAL APTITUDE BATTERY CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM
I have made closing the achievement gap the top priority in my second term of office. California's rigorous academic standards and accountability system have led to steady, significant achievement gains over the past five years. However, achievement data clearly reveals the need to focus in new ways on the groups of students whose achievement lags persistently behind. Research indicates that when students see the relevance of what they are studying in school in relation to their own career goals, they can begin to make the connection between current coursework and the achievement of future life and work goals. Therefore, one resource for engaging students in their current education is a strong career guidance program.
I would like to provide you with information about the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Career Exploration Program, an effective career exploration and planning program intended for use with students in grades ten through twelve. This resource includes a multiple aptitude battery test, an interest inventory, and various planning tools designed to help students explore postsecondary career options. As a component of a comprehensive school counseling program, it is an invaluable tool in assisting students, especially juniors and seniors, with career and postsecondary planning. The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is not just for those students interested in military careers. Whether bound for a four-year institution or going directly to work, the ASVAB Career Exploration Program provides a foundation for acquiring the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for success.
Schools determine whether or not to release results of testing to military recruiters. If a student has “opted out” of recruiter contact based on the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, schools must simply provide the ASVAB Career Exploration Program manager with a list of names to ensure privacy is protected. Students are under no obligation to the military whatsoever. Given the fiscal constraints facing school districts, the ASVAB Career Exploration Program is a great value as all test materials, administration, scoring services, reference materials, and post-test interpretation services are provided at no cost to schools or students.
To obtain information about the ASVAB Career Exploration Program, visit the ASVAB Career Exploration Program Web site at http://www.asvabprogram.com/ (Outside Source), or call 800-323-0513 to be connected with the nearest ASVAB Specialist in your area. If you have any questions regarding this subject, please contact John Merris-Coots, Interim Executive Director, California Career Resource Network, by phone at 916-323-6544 or by e-mail at jmerris@cde.ca.gov.
Please share this information with your high school principals and regional occupation center program directors.
Sincerely,
JACK O’CONNELL
JO:jmc
1430 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814