Career Readiness in the School District of Jefferson
ACP Scope and Sequence & Curriculum Alignment
5K to 5th Grade: Awareness
Students in our elementary schools have a multitude of opportunities to experience the world of work through classroom instruction, field trips, guest speakers and ACP geared life skills lessons. Each child is encouraged to explore their developing strengths and interests through our diverse curriculum.
6th-8th Grade: Exploration & Connections
While at the Middle School, students begin to explore career clusters in a more personalized way through the use of career exploration software and interest inventories. They learn about the importance of looking at their skills, interests and personality when determining if a career cluster might be a good fit for them and worth further exploration. Throughout their time at JMS, they will thoughtfully consider who they are, their strengths and interests and begin making connections to career clusters that could be a good fit.
9th-10th Grade: Plan
Throughout freshman and sophomore year, students will explore course options while taking into consideration their skills, interests, and personality. They will learn about multiple post-secondary options for the careers they are considering. Students will plan course sequencing that both aligns with their career interests and post-secondary needs while also learning the importance of getting involved in extracurricular opportunities.
11th-12th Grade: Study & Refine
During guided reflection with their ACP advisors and counselors, juniors and seniors will research what is needed to be successful on the paths they are considering, assess themselves against those requirements and refine their plan as needed to meet their personal goals. This may be done through job shadows, interviews, career speakers, and more. With these experiences, students will be able to develop an actionable plan for their future. Additionally, students will refine and ensure that they meet all graduation requirements to be college, career and life ready adults.
Preparing for the Future
ACP at the School District of Jefferson ensures every student is prepared for life after high school no matter what path they plan to take. This includes:
Career and technical education
Dual Credit courses that provide advance placement and/or advanced standing at Madison College for students pursuing an associate degree program upon graduation from high school.
Early College Credit Program offered at the 4-year universities and Start College Now Program offered at the technical colleges for students interested in pursuing rigorous coursework while earning both high school and college credit.
Advanced Placement courses for students interested in equivalent college credit at the university level.
Youth apprenticeships or other job training/work experience to assist students in meeting industry standards and certifications.
Please see the Academic and Career Planning Guide for more detailed information.
Career Pathways
JHS offers programs of study for each of the 16 Career Clusters. There are more offerings in particular career pathways (such as Manufacturing and Health Science) based on local labor market statistics showing higher employment in these industries. Student interest is also taken into consideration, using course requests and reports measuring things like career and career cluster matches in Xello.
Please see the Academic and Career Planning Guide for programs of study and course offerings.
Professional Development for Staff
All teaching staff at JMS and JHS will receive professional development regarding the ACP process. This professional development will focus not only on the legal requirements of ACP, but also the goals of the program and how they relate to the needs of the local community. This professional development will be provided annually at the beginning of each school year.
Redefining Ready
Each year the Department of Public Education (DPI) puts out school and district reports cards that define the students we produce based on single grade level assessments, attendance, and graduation. Our district believes students should be defined by more than a single test score because standardized test scores may not necessarily provide an accurate representation of our students’ potential in life beyond high school. Additionally, we believe that Redefining Readiness Indicators more accurately reflect the educational landscape of the 21st century. Because students learn differently, they should be able to demonstrate their readiness in multiple ways.
Please see our SDoJ Redefining Ready website for more information and a direct link to our JHS dashboard
AVID at SDoJ
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. AVID’s curriculum and core strategies are some of the best research-based teaching methods designed with the brain in mind to sharpen the skills and habits proven effective for long-term success in high school, college, and beyond. At its core, AVID is a blend of teaching strategies, curriculum, and training designed from best practices in teaching and learning. Jefferson Middle School and Jefferson High School are dedicated to a school-wide AVID philosophy within all classrooms.
The core component of the AVID Program is the AVID Elective Course (AVID Launch), which supports students as they challenge themselves in rigorous classes. Students are taught writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading skills while being immersed in a college-going and career-focused culture. AVID Launch is an elective course and exists in grades 7-12.
Please see our AVID website for more information.