How early to start career planning?

St. Paul, Minn. — Gov. Pawlenty's Workforce Development Council says one way to improve the state's economy is to have high school students choose their career path in the ninth grade.

Here's the wording of the proposed policy.

"Every Minnesota learner will, from no later than ninth grade, have a plan, reviewed at least annually, to guide him/her through high school and beyond into competitive employment and postsecondary education.

The plan will be implemented gradually, becoming a graduation requirement with the graduating class of 2014."

Educators weigh in on the merits of the proposal.

Guests

• Jim Bierma: Lead counselor of Minneapolis public schools.
• Randall Hansen: Founder of Quintessential Careers, a career development Web site, and has taught at the college level for more than 15 years.
• Marc Scheer: Researcher, educational consultant, and career counselor with a Ph.D. in counseling psychology. His book is called "No Sucker Left Behind: Avoiding the Great College Rip-off."

More from MPR

• News Cut: Choosing a career path

Resources

• Governor's Workforce Development Council: Read the group's recommendations
• Quintessential Careers
• Minneapolis Public Schools
• Scheer's blog