TruSpark

OtherGrade 6

About This Curriculum

TruSpark is a web application that utilizes SIMA (System for Identifying Motivated Abilities) research to enable middle and high schoolers to explore future avocations. There are 19 core motivations including learner, builder, achiever, and influencer. SIMA research shows that each of us has a unique motivational and behavioral pattern, which when understood, can help us to lead productive, meaningful lives. See how TruSpark can be a help to your family! Please enter at least 2 characters for name. Please enter at least 10 characters for details. Please enter a valid phone number.

What makes it unique: <cite index="29-1,29-2">TruSpark is unique in that it is based on core motivations, which go much deeper than interests, strengths, or even personality.</cite>

TruSpark: Career Exploration Through Core Motivation Assessment

TruSpark is a web-based career exploration curriculum for grades 6-10 that uses story-driven assessments to identify students' core motivations rather than personality traits. Based on 60 years of SIMA research, it helps teens understand what drives them and connects those motivations to potential career paths.

Best for

Homeschool families with middle and high school students (grades 6-10) seeking structured career exploration guidance, especially parents who want professional-level assessment tools adapted for teens

Evaluation Criteria

6 strengths · 1 neutral

EngagementStrength

Students find the program highly engaging through its story-based approach and personalized results that connect to their experiences.

Reviews describe students' faces lighting up during assessments, enjoying the colorful slides and examples, and being pleasantly surprised by results that matched their known characteristics

Content AccuracyStrength

The curriculum is built on solid research foundation with 60+ years of SIMA studies used by major organizations.

Multiple reviewers reference the 60 years of scientific research backing the program, its use by NASA, IBM, and Disney, and adaptation by psychologists and researchers for the teen audience

Age AppropriatenessStrength

Content is well-suited for the target age group of early- to mid-teens (grades 6-10) with engaging, story-based assessments.

Reviews consistently note the program is designed specifically for grades 7-10, uses teens' real-life stories rather than generic test questions, and can be completed independently by students in this age range

Instructional ClarityStrength

The curriculum provides clear, structured progression through three levels with explicit objectives for understanding core motivations and career exploration.

Multiple reviews note the program's clear organization with defined levels, colorful slides with examples, vocabulary definitions on slides, and discussion questions that help students navigate independently

Real World ApplicationStrength

Excellent real-world application through direct connection to career exploration and practical use of established career databases like O*NET.

Students are directed to O*NET for further career exploration, can explore 900+ career options, and the assessment is based on the same research used in professional hiring and organizational development

Teacher Parent SupportStrength

The curriculum strongly supports homeschool parents by providing guidance counselor-like tools and language for career exploration.

Reviews specifically praise how the program 'shines' at equipping parents to lead career exploration, addressing the challenge that homeschool parents lack guidance counselor tools but wear many educational hats

Assessment FeedbackNeutral

The program provides meaningful feedback through personalized core motivation results and career connections, though lacks ongoing progress monitoring.

Students receive their top 3 core motivations with characteristics and 5-10 related occupations, with results that reviewers found accurate and matching what they knew about their teens

Sources: homeschool.com, monkeyandmom.com