FAFSA
In January 2025, we reviewed FAFSA resources and strategies related to increasing FAFSA completion. Speakers from Iowa College Aid and ICAN shared the resources below. Several districts shared success stories about increasing FAFAS completion.
WBL and CTSOs
In December 2024, we discussed the integration of Postsecondary Success strategies related to work-based learning and Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). Cale Hutchings, CTE Consultant, from the Department of Education will present about the new requirements for CTSOs and discuss how to meet these requirements. Additional tools and resources for work-based learning will be reviewed.
Department of Education - CTSO Page
Career and Technical Student Organization Secondary Guidance
Guidance Impacting CTSOs and the Senior Year Plus Concurrent Enrollment Program
WBL Resources:
*NEW WBL Course Naming and Coding
Iowa Board of Regents' Recent Alumni Career Outcomes site
Using Your MTSS Structures with Postsecondary Success in Mind
In November 2024, we discussed resources to build a postsecondary culture, how to utilize postsecondary data to create district goals, connections to DCAP, and resources and tools for postsecondary continuous improvement efforts.
FAFSA Completion Rates (available after Dec 15)
DCAP Workshop
In October 2024, we reviewed feedback on District Career and Academic Plans and learned more about the resources and tools available to assist district teams with revising their plans. Districts used the following reflection tools to determine next steps for revision.
Work Based Learning and Industry Recognized Credentials
In September 2024, Joe Collins from the Iowa Department of Education shared the new definition of Work-Based Learning and the connection to Career Connected Learning. In addition, the updated Industry Recognized Credentials for 2024-25 were reviewed. DMACC programs and resources for WBL were also shared.
Utilizing Career Information Systems
In February 2024, we focused on Utilizing Career Information Systems (CIS). We discussed how to effectively use the CIS within the DCAP, networked with other districts using common CIS platforms, and met with CIS representatives (Xello, Kuder, YouScience, SchoolLinks, Naviance) to learn more about what is new and improved in supporting students with their ICAP.
DCAP Workshop
In January 2024, we reviewed feedback on District Career and Academic Plans and learned more about the resources and tools available to assist district teams with revising their plans. Districts used the following reflection tools to determine next steps for revision.
DCAP Scoring rubric
ICAP/DCAP Guidance Doc (Jan. 2023)
Updated Work-Based Learning Guide (Dec. 2022)
Embedding Work-Based Learning (Feb. 2023)
Work-Based Learning Self Assessment Tool (Jan. 2023)
FAFSA Guidance (Jan. 2023)
Team Reflection Tool - self assessment tool
Essential Components Reflection Tool - self assessment tool
Work-Based Learning
In December 2023, we focused on expanding work-based learning opportunities for students. Several districts presented about their Work-Based Learning programs and how they use the Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning to manage their project boards. The following resources were provided and discussed:
FAFSA
In November 2023, we reviewed the updates to the FAFSA. Erick Danielson, ICAN Vice President of Programs, shared about the changes to the FAFSA and how to best support students and families through the financial aid process. The following resources were discussed:
DCAP Workshop
In October 2023, we reviewed feedback on District Career and Academic Plans and learned more about the resources and tools available to assist district teams with revising their plans. We explored the 5 components of the Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) and how they are included within the District Career Guidance Plan. Districts used the following reflection tools to determine next steps for revision.
DCAP Scoring rubric
ICAP/DCAP Guidance Doc (Jan. 2023)
Updated Work-Based Learning Guide (Dec. 2022)
Embedding Work-Based Learning (Feb. 2023)
Work-Based Learning Self Assessment Tool (Jan. 2023)
FAFSA Guidance (Jan. 2023)
Team Reflection Tool - self assessment tool
Essential Components Reflection Tool - self assessment tool
Future Ready MTSS
In September 2023, we shared resources to support Future Ready MTSS.
Blending IEP and ICAP - Erica Woods-Schmitz, Iowa Dept. of Education
Tyler Pearson, Career and College Readiness, from Knoxville presented about K-12 universal career and college readiness for all students.
Middle School Counselor Career Class Discussion
In April 2023, a middle school counselor group met to network and share resources related to career exploration classes and examples of how they use career information systems at the secondary level. Additional resources can be found in this folder.
DCAP Workshop
In March 2023, we reviewed feedback on District Career and Academic Plans and learned more about the resources and tools available to assist district teams with revising their plans. We explored the 5 components of the Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) and how they are included within the District Career Guidance Plan. Districts used the following reflection tools to determine next steps for revision.
District Plan Folder - Find previous feedback and rubric scores here
DCAP Scoring rubric
New ICAP/DCAP Guidance Doc (Jan. 2023)
*New Updated Work-Based Learning Guide (Dec. 2022)
*New Updated Work-Based Learning Self Assessment Tool (Jan. 2023)
*NEW FAFSA Guidance (Jan. 2023)
Team Reflection Tool - self assessment tool
Essential Components Reflection Tool - self assessment tool
Work-Based Learning
In December 2022, we focused on Work-Based Learning and covered the following topics:
Work Based Learning by Iowa School District - to search for your school’s data
Join the Iowa Authentic Learning Network here: http://bit.ly/IowaALNgroup
Apprenticeships, Financial Aid, Job Corps, Military Connections, and More!
In November 2022, we heard from the following guest speakers:
Kris Byam, Registered Apprenticeship Bureau Chief from Iowa Workforce Develoment
Shari Clausen - Denison Job Corps
Todd Brown - Iowa Financial Aid
Major Daniel Torrence - Iowa Air National Guard, U.S. Air Force, ROTC
Jeremy Frisbey - ETC (Ret.), US Navy
District Career and Academic Plan Workshop
In October 2022, we reviewed feedback on District Career and Academic Plans and learned more about the resources and tools available to assist district teams with revising their plans. We explored the 5 components of the Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) and how they are included within the District Career Guidance Plan. Districts used the following reflection tools to determine next steps for revision.
Future Ready Data - Where are We Now?
In September 2022, we reviewed Future Ready Data sources including:
We also reviewed opportunities to support Future Ready work including:
Portrait of a Graduate
Meaningful Career Conversations
“MTSS to Maximize Your Data” #203942
“Promoting Successful Transition for Students with Disabilities” #203799
Transition for Students With Special Needs
In April 2022, we heard from the following guest speakers about transition supports for students with special needs:
Judy Oltman, STRIVE and STRIVE Academy Coordinator
Jennifer Argo, DMACC Disability Services Coordinator
Becca Hinrichs, DMACC Career Academy Advisor
Alyssa Ploeger, DMACC Concurrent Enrollment Specialist
Michelle Laughlin, Drake Access and Success Director
Work-Based Learning - Pella CSD
In March 2022, we heard from Lowell Ernst, Director of K-12 Instruction, from Pella CSD about their Work-Based Learning and how to move from awareness to employment. High School Registered Apprenticeship Playbook
Iowa Workforce Development
In March 2022, we heard from Kris Byam, Registered Apprenticeship Coordinator, from Iowa Workforce Development about Registered Apprenticeship supports in Iowa for educators, employers, and the funding streams to support and maintain apprenticeships. https://www.earnandlearniowa.gov/
In March 2022, we heard from Tim Brickley (Instructor) and
Dr. Jyll Johnson Miner, PhD |CTE/Related Arts Postsecondary Education Learning Coordinator from Johnston Community Schools on how they have developed and expanded their Entrepreneurship and Work-Based Learning Programs.
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In March 2022, we heard from Kristy Volesky, from the Iowa Department of Education, about expanding Work-Based Learning Programs.
In March 2022, we heard from Kristy Volesky, from the Iowa Department of Education, about Work-Based Learning and the updated Work-Based Learning Guide. She also reviewed resources from DMACC's Work-Based Learning Site: DMACC’s Discovery Network.
In January 2022, we heard from Katy Blatnick-Gagne, Career and Technical Education Program Consultant, from the Iowa Department of Education about creating a holistic ICAP and how to refine District Career and Academic Plans.
In January 2022, we heard from Sonia Reyes, Executive Officer, Office of Latino Affairs, and Karen Ruiz, Latinos CAN Coordinator, Office of Latino Affairs, on how we can better support students from diverse backgrounds. Click here for an additional document of student supports available.
In December 2021, we heard from Sue Schirmer and reviewed FAFSA data, Future Ready data sources, and used a data hunt template to explore district Future Ready data.
In February 2021, we heard from Tracy Davis of Iowa College Aid. Her slides are available for your review here.
Our guest speaker in March was Jamie Covell from Iowa College Aid. Her presentation focused on the Course to College partnership opportunity, and her slides are available here.
April's guest speaker was Sue Schirmer from Heartland AEA. She went over a "Top 10" of ensuring an accurate and equitable District Career Guidance Plan! Click here to access a PDF of her slides.
Sonia Reyes and Abigail Cortez from the Office of Latino Affairs shared many resources with us this month around recognizing and avoiding stereotypes and microaggressions directed toward the Latinx community. Click here for the handout.
DCAP Workshop
In October 2023, we reviewed feedback on District Career Guidance Plans and learned more about the resources and tools available to assist district teams with revising their plans. We explored the 5 components of the Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) and how they are included within the District Career Guidance Plan. Districts used the following reflection tools to determine next steps for revision.
DCAP Scoring rubric
ICAP/DCAP Guidance Doc (Jan. 2023)
Updated Work-Based Learning Guide (Dec. 2022)
Embedding Work-Based Learning (Feb. 2023)
Work-Based Learning Self Assessment Tool (Jan. 2023)
FAFSA Guidance (Jan. 2023)
Team Reflection Tool - self assessment tool
Essential Components Reflection Tool - self assessment tool