The Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia (SOA) includes a provision for each elementary school student to develop an Academic and Career Plan Portfolio in the elementary grades. 8VAC20-131-140.C.2 College and Career Readiness; Career Exposure, Exploration, and Planning; and Opportunities for Postsecondary Credit, states:
“Beginning in the elementary school years, students are to explore the different occupations associated with career clusters and select an area or areas of interest. Students will begin the development of an Academic and Career Plan Portfolio (ACPP) in elementary grades to include information about interests, values such as dependability and responsibility, and skills supporting decisions about their future interests and goals."
Students will understand the concept of a career, setting goals and the value of lifelong learning
Students in grade K-5 will:
understand the concepts of job and career,
understand that behaviors such as punctuality, courtesy, proper dress and proper language are essential to current and future success,
understand the relationship of individual effort, hard work and persistence to achievement,
understand the importance of teamwork in working towards a common goal,
demonstrate the decision making process,
demonstrate goal setting,
recognize the benefits of both individual initiative and teamwork,
recognize that the changing workplace requires lifelong learning,
identify hobbies and interests, and
identify career choices through exploration.