T-2-M-4 Tools

T-2-M-4 Tools

The guiding principle behind T-2-M-4 is the idea that our students have choices and it is our job as parents, educators, and community members to help them explore those choices so they will be able to make informed decisions about the careers, courses, and programs that match their goals in life.

Career Conversation Starters:
People love to talk about themselves. Take advantage of that and help students learn when and how to talk to adults by encouraging them to ask the following questions of anyone in any career field:

  1. What do you like about your job?
  2. How did you get where you are?
  3. Looking back would you have done anything differently?

Our hope is that members of our community will be able to help students understand that different jobs require different post-high school credentialing, training, or degrees and that this will, in turn, help students see the path to their future more clearly. Further, we know that everyone faces setbacks and makes mistakes. The third question is a great way for students to learn from the mistakes of others and avoid some common pitfalls along the way to success.

Practicums and Work Experience:
Our Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses offer a variety of practicum and career preparation opportunities. Through these, students can earn certifications and gain work experience that will give them a competitive advantage when applying for jobs. Encourage students to participate in practicums and work experience opportunities available through their CTE courses and help them begin developing a resume.

Career Interest Inventories & RoadTrip Nation
All secondary students in Northwest ISD have access to career interest inventories through Naviance - Family Connection. Encourage students to take advantage of these tools to help them discover the careers that best match their unique abilities and interests. Use the RoadTrip Nation resources available in Naviance to explore careers and learn how leaders in a variety of fields would answer some of the conversation starter questions listed above. 

T-2-M-4 Strategies for Elementary Parents

  1.  Get involved! Learning is important, but it is more than just focusing on academics. Research indicates that students who are involved in extracurricular activities tend to do better in school. Think in terms of "School + 2." What two activities, school related or not, can students be involved in that aren't focused on academics.
  2. Start talking about careers and college at home. Let your child know that he or she has choices and take time to talk about what those choices might be.
  3. Start saving for college. Let's face it, college is expensive. Saving a little now can be a huge help in the future. The Texas Tomorrow Fund offers several options that can assist parents of elementary students who are looking for a way to start saving.
  4. Practice using the Career Conversation Starters to help your child learn how to talk to professionals about their work choices.
  5. Create a study routine at home. Taking time to develop strong study habit now will pay off for a lifetime.
  6. Read with your child. Most successful people are avid readers. Help your child learn to love reading.