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Students Plan Futures Online

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By MICHELE SAGER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 24, 2007

LIVE OAK PRESERVE - Middle school students are getting online help to plan their future.

The state requires that middle schools create an electronic personal education plan, more commonly known as an ePEP.
High school students are required to pick a major when they start ninth grade. Now, the state wants students to start planning for that move years before.

Educators from Bartels Middle School held a meeting this week to explain the process.

"It's an online tool to get kids thinking and help them match with the courses they are best suited for," said Mara Esquia, career specialist for Bartels Middle.

Students start by taking a 179-question survey that homes in on their interests and helps them choose majors that match their career paths. Then, each student logs on to FACTS.org, a site operated by the state Department of Education.

Students input a major and indicate whether they are on the college or career track. Then, the program shows required classes and suggests classes that will match their major.

"What this does is come up with a plan and keep them on track," said Sherry Ware, a guidance counselor at Bartels Middle. "It keeps the student focused."

Ware said the program also allows parents to track student progress because it lists credits earned, grade point average and other relevant information found on a high school transcript.

When a student creates an ePEP, it gets printed out and must be signed by the student, parent and guidance counselor. Most importantly, Ware said, the ePEP can be changed.

"Kids grow and change, and this program is simply a guide," she said.

The school district will hold meetings regarding ePEP requirements at 5, 5:30 and 6 p.m. Tuesday at Benito Middle School, 10101 Cross Creek Blvd.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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