The Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) has developed the foundational courses for its Career Clusters/Pathways, a new high school model that will begin with this fall's freshman class.

The courses are part of a law passed by the Georgia General Assembly in 2011, authorizing Georgia to follow the Career Clusters Framework. Under the new model, students - with the help of parents, teachers and guidance counselors - choose a pathway in one of 17 Career Clusters, or in the areas of Advanced Academics, Fine Arts and World Languages. Students select their pathway based on what they want to do after graduation and take a core set of classes coupled with electives based on their chosen field. They have the freedom to switch pathways or clusters if they discover a particular area is not their passion. Students can choose pathways that lead to two-year or four-year colleges, technical colleges or directly into careers.

"Too many students drop out of school because they can't make the connection between what they're doing in class and what they want to do after graduation. We have to make high school relevant for students," said State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge. "Our new Career Pathways will keep students engaged and on the road to graduation."

The state Board of Education finalized the foundational courses for Career Clusters/Pathways at a meeting in May. The courses were developed after months of research and input from business - led by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce - and higher education leaders in Georgia. GaDOE is also developing the elective courses for each cluster, which will go before the board in coming months.

"The Career Clusters/Pathways model gives students the chance to find a career path that will keep them engaged and more likely to complete high school prepared for jobs or further education and training," said Chris Clark, President/CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. "We applaud Superintendent Barge for his willingness to involve the business community in this process and look forward to continuing to support this important initiative."

The Career Clusters/Pathways

Sample graduation plans for each pathway have been posted on the GADOE website so that students and parents can see what options are available in Georgia's high schools.  

A recent trend for families who choose not to vaccinate their children is a chickenpox party. This is a dangerous risk as children are intentionally exposed to the disease. Exposing another person to a virus is a possible federal offense, and the methods used to spread the virus intentionally include receiving bodily fluids from another person which is a risk in and of itself. Social media is a new way to "spread" the virus intentionally as Facebook serves as a conduit for supposedly infected fluids are shared via mail or carrier shipment after Facebook postings spread the news of an infection that a mother would like to "share." Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It causes a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness, and fever. Chickenpox can be serious, especially in babies, adults, and people with weakened immune systems. It spreads easily from infected people to others who have never had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine. Chickenpox spreads in the air through coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread by touching or breathing in the virus particles that come from chickenpox blisters. Most children with chickenpox completely recover. But it can be serious for babies, adolescents, and adults.

Anyone who hasn't had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine can get the disease. Chickenpox most commonly causes an illness that lasts about 5-10 days. The classic symptom of chickenpox is a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs. The rash may first show up on the face, chest, and back then spread to the rest of thebody, including inside the mouth, eyelids, or genital area. It usually takes about one week for all the blisters to become scabs.

Other typical symptoms that may begin to appear 1-2 days before rash include:

• high fever
• tiredness
• loss of appetite
• headache

Children usually miss 5 to 6 days of school due to their chickenpox. NEVER give a child aspirin, or any aspirin containing product who has the chickenpox, or who might be exposed to chicken pox.

SOURCE: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/16/pox-parties-in-the-age-of-facebook .