Module 3: Passion First

• Connect one IT certification track to a specific career and a specific interest
• Name a personal strength and describe how it shows up in coursework
• Explain the difference between a strong opinion and an informed position

Passion First is not permission to only do what you like. It is a direction-finding tool. The certification ladder in Talent Ready has four rungs: Tech+ in 9th grade, A+ and Network+ in the fall of 11th, Security+ in the spring of 11th. Each rung opens a different room in the IT field: support, infrastructure, defense. The student who knows which room they want walks faster.

Focus on Strengths means starting from what already works. If you explain things well, you are the person who should lead contest mode at your table. If you notice patterns, you are the person who should build the study guide. A strength used in public becomes a reputation. A reputation becomes an opportunity.

Take a Stand and Be Authentic are about honesty. An informed position is an opinion that survives a question. Before you take a stand on which certification is most valuable, look at the O*NET data on the Careers page. Then take the stand. That is authentic: your interest, backed by evidence, said out loud.

Situation: Two 11th graders are choosing which certification to prioritize in the fall.

Why it matters: The second student has a reason, a role, and an order. That student will also help the table pass.

What is the Talent Ready certification ladder?

Tech+ in 9th grade, A+ and Network+ in fall of 11th, Security+ in spring of 11th.

What does Focus on Strengths tell you to do first?

Start from what already works and use it in public.

What is an informed position?

An opinion that survives a question because it is backed by evidence.

Write the certification you want most and one sentence about why. Then write the strength you will use to get it. Keep it on your phone. It is not submitted.

It is not submitted.

Ask at home: Ask someone at home what they are good at that nobody taught them. How did they find out?

En español: Pregunta a alguien en casa qué se le da bien sin que nadie se lo enseñara. ¿Cómo lo descubrió?

7 Mindsets is a trademark of 7 Mindsets, LLC. Mindsets Lookout is an original study companion written by Talent Ready facilitators and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a reproduction of 7 Mindsets curriculum. The district's 7 Mindsets lessons are the official program. This companion enhances them; it does not replace them.

Students with a 504 plan or IEP: your accommodations apply through PGCPS Disability Support Services. Tell your facilitator and they will connect them. Last name and class year only. The district's 7 Mindsets lessons and Canvas are the official record of your participation. This companion enhances them; it does not replace them.