ACP

Wisconsin ACP

What is ACP?

Academic and Career Planning, or ACP, is a student-driven, adult-supported process in which students create and cultivate their own unique and information-based visions for post secondary success, obtained through self-exploration, career exploration, and the development of career management and planning skills.

Why ACP?

Education for Employment was established in 1985 in response to the growing concern over the number of youth who failed to make a successful transition from school to postsecondary endeavors. s. 121.02 (1)(m), Wis. Stats., states that every school board shall provide access to an Education for Employment program. Chapter PI 26, the administrative rule for this program, was revised and became effective on July 1, 2004.  On June 30, 2013, Wisconsin Statute 115.28(59) was signed to require implementation of academic and career planning (ACP) statewide beginning in 2017-18 for pupils enrolled in grades 6 to 12 in a school district.

It was determined that rather than creating a new rule addressing ACP, the current PI26 would be updated and revised to include the required ACP components.

Reference:

Wisconsin Department of Instruction, https://dpi.wi.gov/acp

Image result for academic and career planning  model

ACP Component ACP Component Potential Student Outcomes
KNOW Self-Awareness
  • Set personal goals and begin the process of self-reflection to connect interests and goals
  • Critical thinking skill and self-advocacy skill development
  Academic Preparation
  • Selection of courses that align with interests and goals and prepares students for academic and career plans
  • Middle school transition to high school
  • Explore programs of study, career and technical education courses, Laude and Advanced Placement courses, dual credit courses, and work based opportunities
  • Understand high school graduation requirements
  • Connect assessment results with post-secondary options
  • Develop an Academic and Career Plan
EXPLORE Exploration Activities
  • Explore programs of study and career pathways
  • Participate in Xello activities
  • Discuss career options with a career advisor such as a content teacher, counselor, or workplace mentor
  • Explore colleges and/or businesses
  • Engage in a job shadowing or professional interview experience
  • Participate in co-curricular activities
PLAN Career Planning Activities
  • Sets career goals
  • Researches career and labor market information to include salary ranges, application procedures, post-secondary requirements such as degrees, trainings, certifications, and/or internships
  • Develop strong interviewing skills
  • Cover letter and resume development
  • Explore work based learning opportunities such as employability skills or apprenticeships
  • Understands financial implications of post-secondary options
  • Complete the FAFSA
  • Explore college entrance requirements and apply for admission
  • Practice and take the ACT (Juniors will take the ACT on March 9, 2021 at the high school)
  Academic Planning Activities
  • Sets academic goals and stays on track for graduation
  • Aligns course selection with post-secondary academic and career goals
GO Management Activities
  • Meets with ACP mentor such as content teacher or counselor
  • Completes ACP that includes post-secondary goals, course planning, community and work experience, co-curricular involvement, program of study info, assessment results, financial planning, and inventory results
  • Creates a backup plan, "Plan B"