Plans, Purposes and Hope – a great Thanksgiving Discussion
The following column originally appeared in several APG of East Central Minnesota newspapers during November, 2025. Papers publishing the column included but are not limited to the following:
Aitken Independent, Caledonia Argus, MilleLacs Messenger, Monticello Times, Press & News, SunCurrent, Sun Post, Sun Sailor, Union Times
Plans, Purposes and Hope – a great Thanksgiving Discussion
The Thanksgiving vacation gives families and youngsters a great opportunity. Regardless of a family’s income, Minnesota has a wonderful state law, that can be combined with a brief and moving free video that I urge each family to view and discuss together. A national poll taken earlier this year helps illustrate the need for what I’m proposing.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock – included with permission
Let’s start with hope – a critical part of mental health. In her final interview this fall, the remarkable and widely-honored anthropologist Jane Goodall explained at age 91:
“Each and every one of you has a role to play. You are here for a reason, and I hope that reason becomes apparent…Your life does matter, and every single day you live, you make a difference in the world. You get to choose the difference you make.”
That’s in a free video found here or here.
Goodall also noted in that interview: “Without hope, we fall into apathy and do nothing….Let’s let the children know that there is hope.”
Building on hope helps youngsters follow one of my favorite Minnesota state laws – Statute 120B.125. The law requires that school districts, no later than the 9th grade, help all students develop post-high school plans to explore their educational, college, and career interests, aptitudes and aspirations – and create a plan for a smooth and successful transition to postsecondary education or employment. Among other things, those plans must:
- “Be reviewed and revised at least annually by the student, the student’s parent or guardian, and the school or district.”
- “Help students identify interests, aptitudes, aspirations, and personal learning styles that may affect their career and college ready goals and postsecondary education and employment choices.”
- “If a student with a disability has an individualized education program (IEP) or standardized written plan that meets the plan components of this section, the IEP satisfies the requirement, and no additional transition plan is needed.”
As part of this planning, legislators used a wonderful phrase: “Districts must recognize the unique possibilities of each student and ensure that the contents of each student’s plan reflect the student’s unique talents, skills, and abilities as the student grows, develops, and learns.” The law can be found here.
Districts are free to determine how to carry out this requirement. To help, the Minnesota Department of Education offers free resources available for schools and families here.
More discussion about possible jobs and school options would help. A June, 2025 national poll released by Gallup, Jobs for the Future and the Walton Foundation found among other things, that:
- Only four of ten 16-18 year olds (and about half of high school seniors) had thought a lot about the type of job or career they wanted in the future.
- Only 59% of seniors know “a lot” or “some” about several different postsecondary options available, including a bachelor’s or associate degrees or certificates, jobs, internships and the military.
Of course, young people can change their minds about jobs, careers and training – as many of us have.
But these discussions are timely. And the upcoming holidays are perfect times to listen to, and talk with youngsters about plans, purpose and that vital quality – hope.
Joe Nathan, PhD, formerly was a Minnesota public school educator, researcher and founder/director of Center for School Change, now known as Catalyst for Systems Change. Reactions welcome, joe@centerforschoolchange.org
November 22, 2025 @ 10:02 am
This is so important and Joe’s article is so well written.
On my part, having a PLP that is the subject of discussion at every encounter with a student is essential to a meaningful education. It builds a meaningful relationship with grownup(s) and keeps the focus on the learner.
This builds learner ownership and self-confidence.
November 22, 2025 @ 11:35 am
Yes, Joe! Every student deserves opportunities to learn with and from diverse adults who can support them to learn about and choose a pathway to their first steps of adulthood and beyond. Relationships, knowledge, experiences, and a plan all matter!
November 22, 2025 @ 3:08 pm
Beginning in senior high school at the very latest, every Minnesota student needs to have discussions, with appropriate school officials, about their aptitudes, interests, and realistic career possibilities. Such discussions should occur on at least an annual basis. If a student desires or needs to meet with a school official more frequently about these matters, those opportunities should be made available to them. In addition, all students need to absorb, with the help of teachers and other mentors, the importance of developing their moral character. As is the case in Denmark, learning and practicing character (i.e., moral/ethical rectitude) should become a required part of the curriculum, starting at an early age. Character-building is the foundation of a fulfilling vocation or career, a robust civic life, and a happy life in general.
November 24, 2025 @ 5:41 pm
Absolutely, the timing of such a conversation is critical. Knowledgeable parents/adults guiding students/children in their formative years is critical in setting up the next generation on the path to a bright future, filled with purpose!
November 30, 2025 @ 1:54 pm
High School should be a learning place where students begin to create a “tool box” of options for their future. This should begin the end of their 8th grade year – Sped students do it with Transition plans, every child should design their high school experience around this plan. PLP is what every child needs to be successful! As has been proven time and time again. We just need to make sure ALL children have this opportunity.