Educators
This page is here to help make sure educators are ready to enter the classroom with the tools and support they need to help their students develop their ACP and graduate college, career, and life ready. Below are links to webpages organized by topic.
The State Superintendent has adopted new Wisconsin Standards for Science, Music, and Information and Technology Literacy. Each of these new academic standards were developed by Wisconsin educators and experts using a transparent and inclusive process with educator and public engagement and feedback.
Information and Technology Literacy
https://dpi.wi.gov/imt/it-literacy-standards
Music
https://dpi.wi.gov/fine-arts/music
Science
Also, the State Superintendent has authorized revision of Wisconsin Standards for Environmental Education and Social Studies following the recommendation of the State Superintendent’s Standards Review Council and based on public feedback. Drafts of these revised standards, being developed by our state-wide writing committees and informed by key stakeholders from the Wisconsin education and business communities, will be released in late January 2018 for a 30-day public and legislative comment period, which will include two public hearings. You can follow updates on this work at our main standards webpage and on the main Environmental Education and Social Studies webpages.
https://dpi.wi.gov/environmental-ed
https://dpi.wi.gov/social-studies/standards
Additionally, to support your planning, we have posted a Timeline for Review of Wisconsin Academic Standards that details the content areas to be reviewed for potential revision through the 2023-24 school year.
ACADEMIC AND CAREER PLANNING (ACP)
ACP Information from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
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.
Links
COLLEGE & CAREER READY EXPECTATIONS
Redefining Ready National Scholarship
Wisconsin's Plan for College and Career Readiness
Public schools are working to graduate every child ready for college and career. But what does college and career ready mean?
In addition to having knowledge in academic content areas, the Wisconsin way of college and career readiness values skills and habits. Wisconsin graduates must be critical thinkers, able to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and solve real world problems. Ultimately, we want our kids to be good adults.
CAREER EXPLORATION
Connecting students' interests to their potential career paths early ensures active participation in their own academic success and opens their eyes to the wide world of career opportunities. The career planning tools in Xello allow students to understand how their strengths, goals, skills, and interests can lead to exciting careers.
COLLEGE AND CAREER PREPARATION
Each student’s path is unique. How can we help all students reach their unique goals by connecting their passion to their future? Xello allows students to create a personalized plan that helps them make the right decisions throughout their academic journey.
SELF-DISCOVERY
Students build confidence by trying new things, pursuing what they love, and learning from their missteps in a safe environment. Xello is that safe place—by helping students focus on what’s strong, reflect on their interests and strengths, and explore a wide-variety of career options.
ACADEMIC PLANNING
Early academic planning is critical to helping students achieve long-term success by aligning their interests with their chosen path. Xello keeps students focused on their objectives by helping students, families, and staff create course plans that not only match students’ interests but also fulfill graduation requirements and align to post-secondary goals.
Elementary Educators
The National Office for School Counselor Advocacy has identified eight components of college and career readiness, yet only six of these components should be applied to the elementary setting:
College Aspiration: Nurture confidence in students to aspire to college by maintaining high expectations and conveying the conviction that all students can succeed in college.
Academic Planning for College and Career Readiness: Encourage students to participate in rigorous academic programs by increasing rigor within your own classroom. Help students realize they are capable of achieving greater academic goals than they set for themselves.
Enrichment and Extracurricular Engagement: Push the administration to conduct a school and community audit of enrichment and extracurricular activities that offer participation and leadership options to all students.
College and Career Exploration and Selection Process: Promote a college-going culture where students are encouraged to aim high. They should also begin writing processes that help them develop college application skills such as writing personal statements.
College and Career Assessment: When students complete a benchmark test, take the time to share the results with them. Help students become more self-aware of their achievement and take a personal interest in their growth.
College Affordability Planning: Begin financial literacy at an early age. Integrate lessons about basic finance, wealth and money management into math curriculum.
Defining expectations for middle school instruction
The National Office for School Counselor Advocacy (NOSCA) identifies eight components of college and career readiness counseling. Of these eight components, six apply to the middle school setting:
College Aspirations
Academic Planning for College and Career Readiness
Enrichment and Extracurricular Engagement
College and Career Exploration and Selection Process
College and Career Assessments
College Affordability Planning
Although these components are the same for elementary school, the difference is the sense of urgency. When college and career readiness is ignored or put off by the home and the school, students are at a disadvantage as well as at risk to not be fully prepared for life as an adult. Steps need to be taken to prepare educators and make parents aware of how they can influence their children and help them explore various career options.
WAYS TO EARN COLLEGE CREDIT
Advanced Placement
Advanced Standing
Transcripted Credit
Start College Now/Early College Credit Program
Youth Apprenticeship
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CONTACT INFORMATION
College & Career Readiness Office
christopher.maedke@janesville.k12.wi.us
Chris Maedke 608-743-5037