My Rainbow Career Finder

Purpose and Rationale for the My Rainbow Career Finder

1.     What does the My Rainbow Career Finder measures?

The My Rainbow Career Finder allows children to build awareness of careers.

2.     What are the concepts or theories underlying the development of the My Rainbow Career Finder?

Dr. John L. Holland (1985) created Holland Code Career Model, Holland Hexagon Model or Holland Codes. Holland Codes assessments provide career information, college major information, lists of careers, and job finder resources. There are print and internet resources.

The Holland Code Career Model matches jobs into job codes, interest clusters, work personality environments, or personality types. The Occupational Codes are -

  • ·         Realistic

  • ·         Investigative

  • ·         Artistic

  • ·         Social

  • ·         Enterprising

  • ·         Conventional

3.     What demonstrated need does this My Rainbow Career Finder serve?

According to Ediger (2000), "the elementary school years are not too early to begin to achieve a vision of what one desires to do in life contributing to the world of work".  Without career education, students have unrealistic perceptions of careers due to a lack of knowledge and poor decision making.  Students have limited knowledge and exposure to careers. (1, 2)  When students look at the different industries e.g. sports, media and entertainment, most students underestimate the skills and time required to have successful careers. (2)

The Basics for Elementary School Career Education Programs

In career awareness programs, students do not make premature career choices.  Elementary school career education is not career exploration or career preparation.  Elementary students remain open to new career ideas and possibilities. (4, 5, 7, 8)  Elementary students build awareness of self, personal interactions, school, and the workforce. (1,8)  Elementary school counselors and teachers build self-awareness, family awareness, school awareness, community awareness, career/ work awareness, attitude development, skill development, decision making strategies, and self-worth. (1, 3, 6) 

Ediger, Marlow. (2000, July). Vocational Education in the Elementary School. (ED442979) Opinion Papers

Angel, N. Faye; Mooney, Marianne. (1996, December). Work-in-Progress: Career and Work Education for Elementary Students. (ED404516). Cincinnati, OH: Paper presented at the American Vocational Association Convention.

Benning, Cathleen; Bergt, Richard; Sausaman, Pamela.  (2003, May). Improving Student Awareness of Careers through a Variety of Strategies. Thesis: Action Research Project. (ED481018). Chicago, Illinois: Saint Xavier University.

Career Tec. (2000). K-12 Career Awareness & Development Sequence [with Appendices, Executive and Implementation Guide]. (ED450219) .Springfield, Il: Author.

DuVall, Patricia. (1995).Let's Get Serious about Career Education for Elementary Students. AACE Bonus Briefs. (ED386603). Hermosa Beach, CA: AACE Bonus Briefs.

Maddy-Bernstein, Carolyn; Dare, Donna E. (1997,December).Career Guidance for Elementary and Middle School Students. Office of Student Services Brief, v9 n1. (ED415353). Berkeley, CA: National Center for Research in Vocational Education.

Splete, Howard; Stewart, Amy. (1990). Competency-Based Career Development Strategies and the National Career Development Guidelines. Information Series No. 345. (ED327739). Columbus, Ohio: ERIC Clearinghouse on Education and Training for Employment & Ohio State University

Williams, Jean A., Ed. (1999, January). Elementary Career Awareness Guide: A Resource for Elementary School Counselors and Teachers. (ED445293). Raleigh, NC: NC Department of Public Instruction, NC Job Ready.

Description of the My Rainbow Career Finder

What is the structure of the instrument?

The My Rainbow Career Finder Program is virtual, visual learning techniques and career awareness Program for kids that use colors to represent Holland Codes.

The My Rainbow Career Finder clarifies thoughts, integrates new knowledge, and promotes critical thinking. New concepts are more thoroughly and easily understood.

The My Rainbow Career Finder organizes and analyzes information.

Children, youth, and adults –

  • See how Holland Codes are connected to careers

  • Realize how careers can be grouped and organized

Components

1.   What reusable components do you anticipate will be required for administering, scoring, and interpreting the My Rainbow Career Finder ?

The My Rainbow Career Finder is virtual, visual self-scoring career awareness tool for children that use discover Holland Codes.

2.   Are there different versions of the My Rainbow Career Finder ?

Yes, there are two versions of the My Rainbow Career Finder – Basic and Deluxe. 

Both versions come with the following items –

  • Instructions and link and to access finder

  • Printable finder report

  • Overview of the Holland Codes with related careers and characteristics

The Deluxe Edition comes with the additional items –

  • Starter Kit - Step by Step Guide

  • Extensive Unlock Your Treasure Chest Facilitator's Training Manual with Web Site Resource Guide

  • Career web sites and videos

  • Bingo and flash cards

Primary Markets

1.    What is the target population for the My Rainbow Career Finder  (i.e., demographic characteristics such as age, gender, etc.)

The target population for the My Rainbow Career Finder is elementary or middle school students. 

Other individuals who use the My Rainbow Career Finder include people –

  • ·         Who are In ESL/GED programs

  • ·         Who have limited reading ability

  • ·         Who have limited knowledge of English

  • ·         Who are developmentally delayed

  • ·         Who are learning disabled

  • ·         Who have special needs

  • ·         Who have limited access to education

2.     What professional discipline(s) would be the potential purchasers and users of the My Rainbow Career Finder ?

Professional disciplines include –

  • Universities and college – Elementary school education and counseling professors,

  • Teaching – Teachers, tutors, and home educators

  • Counseling – School counselors, career development facilitators, life coaches, and career coaches

  • Child Development – After – School Instructors, Career Day Facilitators, and Community Agency Staff

  • Social Services – Social workers, crisis counselors, and At – Risk Children Program Staff

3.     Which settings would be appropriate for use of My Rainbow Career Finder (e.g., schools, private clinics, hospitals, private practice, etc.)?

Settings for the My Rainbow Career Finder include –

  • Schools

  • Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA/ YWCA Programs, and other community organizations

  • Afterschool Programs

  • Kids Go To Work Days

  • Career Days

  • Summer School Programs

Market Competition and Special Features of the My Rainbow Career Finder 

What other Programs are currently available that serve a similar function?

There is not a wide selection of Holland Code, visual, color-coded career Programs available for elementary or middle school.