Bridge-to-Career Course

The State Board of Education (SBE) approved the Bridge to Career Course in April 2025 to provide a portfolio and exhibit class for second semester seniors who do not obtain a passing score on one or more End-of-Course (EOC) assessments.  Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, the class will provide students an opportunity to explore and experience career opportunities that will assist them in the transition from high school into a post-secondary experience.  Students must meet eligibility requirements included in the policy below.

The MDE has begun work on the Standards, Curriculum, Scoring Rubrics, and other resources that will be provided to school districts to ensure that the content, rigor, and expectations of the course are consistent for all students throughout the state.  Once complete all resources for the class will be added to this page along with the SBE policy included below.

The Student Portfolio and Exhibit
MISS. ADMIN. CODE 7-3: 36.4(3) State Board Policy Chapter 36, Rule 36.4(3)
(EFFECTIVE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR)

The Student Portfolio and Exhibit option hereby known as the Bridge-to-Career Course provides an opportunity for students who (A) do not obtain a passing score on one or more End-of-Course (EOC) assessments and (B) do not meet the criteria for other options outlined in Appendix A-5 of the MS Public School Accountability Standards, 2025. Students may utilize an additional graduation option by completing the required components as outlined in the Bridge-to-Career Course. Students who meet all requirements for the Bridge-to-Career Course in addition to all other graduation requirements shall be eligible for the Traditional MS Diploma or the Traditional MS Diploma with a CTE Endorsement or JROTC Endorsement.

1. Course Overview:

Beginning in school year 2025-2026 The Bridge-to-Career Course is a graduation option available to second semester seniors who (A) do not obtain a passing score on one or more EOC assessment and (B) do not meet the criteria for other options outlined in Appendix A-5 of the MS Public School Accountability Standards, 2025.  The course serves as an alternative pathway to demonstrate academic and career readiness through the completion of the following components:

• Portfolio Development: The course requires students to develop a comprehensive portfolio that highlights their academic growth, professional development, and post-graduation aspirations. This will include academic projects, skills demonstrations, professional documents (e.g., resumes), and evidence of career exploration activities such as job shadowing and skill-based certifications.
• Exhibit Creation: Students shall create an exhibit showcasing their academic and career readiness. This exhibit will include evidence of completed projects, reflections on academic progress, and documentation of any work-based learning or training experiences.
• Remediation and Support: Before enrollment in the course, students shall complete targeted remediation for any failed EOC assessments and be reassessed during each administration. The goal is to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery in the areas where they initially struggled, based on MAAP and additional benchmark data that aligns with the MAAP assessment. The school administering the remediation shall maintain records of the data used, remediation implemented, and any progress made.

2. Course Enrollment and Requirements:

• Eligibility: Students who (A) have not achieved a passing score on one or more EOC assessments shall be eligible for the Bridge-to-Career Course and (B) do not meet the criteria for other options outlined in Appendix A-5 of the MS Public School Accountability Standards, 2025. Prior to enrolling in this course, students shall:

• • Demonstrate a commitment to targeted remediation and improvement
  • Maintain an overall 2.0 GPA during the junior and senior year
  • Have an overall attendance rate of 83% or higher during the junior and senior year.  Any absence excused or unexcused will count against this record.
  • Receive no more than six (6) nonviolent referrals during the students’ junior and senior years.  Students with violent behavior referrals may be ineligible for the course at the Superintendent’s discretion.
  • Assess each time the EOC assessment is administered
  • Obtain written recommendation from the District Superintendent and school principal

• Course Enrollment: Students shall be enrolled in the Bridge-to-Career Course no sooner than during the final semester of the graduating year aligned with their ninth-grade cohort or peer-age cohort. The course shall be taken alongside other senior-year coursework.

• • Districts on a traditional schedule or alternating block schedule will offer this course as a .5 Carnegie unit option.
  • Districts on a 4X4 or 5X5 block schedule will offer this course as a 1.0 Carnegie unit option.

• Grading and Completion: Students must achieve a grade of C or higher in the Bridge-to- Career Course for the course to substitute for one or more EOC assessments.

3. Course Components and Expected Outcomes:

The Bridge-to-Career Course is divided into key sections focused on academic recovery, career exploration, and portfolio curation. The school shall verify that the students enrolled do not meet the criteria for other options outlined in Appendix A-5 of the MS Public School Accountability Standards, 2025.  The Bridge-to-Career Course should be used as the last option for student graduation.  Students shall:

• Build a Professional Portfolio: Students shall work collaboratively with the school counselor, Work-Based Learning teacher, Career Coach (if the school participates in the State, regional or district Career Coach Model) and/or the MS Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to develop a comprehensive Commencement Level Career Plan that includes at the minimum:

• • Academic achievements (projects, essays, assessments).
  • Extracurricular involvement (clubs, sports, volunteer work).
  • Career-related documents (professional resumes, cover letters, certificates).
  • Personal reflections on the learning process and career aspirations.

• Professional Resume: Students shall create a professional resume tailored to a specific job or career path of interest. This resume should highlight skills, achievements, and work experiences, giving students a practical tool for post-graduation employment or college applications.
• Training and Credentials: Students shall have the opportunity to complete specific training programs or earn certifications from an approved MDE list related to their career goals. This may include job-readiness programs, technical certifications, or specialized training relevant to industries they wish to pursue.
• Job Shadowing and Career Exploration: Students shall work with the Bridge- to- Career Course teacher to explore potential careers, gain insight into job markets, and understand the skills needed for success in their chosen fields. Students should work with the school counselor, Work-Based Learning teacher, and/or Career Coach (if the school participates in a State, regional or district Career Coach Model) and/or the MS Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to engage in job shadowing or other work-based learning activities. This will provide students with real-world experience and insight into potential career fields, enhancing their employability and professional development.

4. Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will have:

• A professional resume that is tailored to a specific job or career path.
• Training and credentials required for employment or continued education in a specific field.
• A comprehensive Commencement Level Career Plan that outlines their post-secondary transition and life plan

These outcomes are designed to ensure that students are not only equipped with academic knowledge but also prepared for life after high school, whether that be in a career, further education, or other post-graduation plans.  The final Portfolio/Exhibit and all supporting artifacts must be maintained in the student’s cumulative folder for MDE access and review.

5. Remediation and Reassessment:

• EOC Remediation: Prior to enrolling in the Bridge-to-Career Course, students who have not passed one or more of the EOC assessments shall undergo remediation. The school shall provide targeted support for these students, addressing the specific areas in which they did not meet the required standards. Documentation of a student’s EOC remediation shall be maintained in their cumulative folder.
• Reassessments: Students shall demonstrate progress in their deficient knowledge and skills before being considered eligible for enrollment in the course.  Student progress does not have to be reflected through EOC retest scores but can be shown through intervention and remediation assessment methods.

6. Consequences for Non-Compliance:

Students who do not meet the required criteria for course completion (i.e., earning a grade of C or higher) or who fail to submit a complete portfolio, and exhibit shall not be eligible for graduation. In such cases, students may be referred for additional support.

Conclusion:

The Bridge-to-Career Course provides an option for students who (A) have not passed one or more EOC assessments and (B) do not meet the criteria for other options outlined in Appendix A-5 of the MS Public School Accountability Standards, 2025, enabling them to demonstrate readiness for graduation through alternative means. This course emphasizes professional development, career exploration, and remediation to ensure that all students have the skills and documentation needed to transition successfully to post-secondary endeavors. Through this initiative, the state aims to support students in their academic and career journeys while maintaining high graduation standards.

This policy shall be reviewed annually to assess its effectiveness and ensure alignment with student needs and state educational requirements.