Academic & Career Planning
What is Academic and Career Planning (ACP)?
Academic and Career Planning (ACP) is a student-driven, adult-supported process that helps students create their own vision for success after high school.
Through ACP, students explore their interests, strengths, and possible career paths. This happens through self-exploration, career exploration, and developing career-planning skills that help students make informed decisions about their future.
All students enrolled in grades 6 through 12 in public school districts participate in ACP.
ACP is for Every Student
ACP is designed for all students—every single one. This includes students with disabilities who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Post-Secondary Transition Plans, as well as students with Section 504 Accommodation Plans, English Learners, Gifted and Talented students, and students who are homeless or considered neglected or delinquent.
Our goal is to help students earn a diploma by design, not by default. We do this by helping students build strong relationships with supportive adults, develop the ability to adapt to opportunities and challenges, and begin their personalized journeys toward successful lives.
What Role Do Families Play in ACP?
Families are an important part of the ACP process. Families are encouraged to review their child’s plan and talk with them about their interests, strengths, and opportunities. These conversations help students make thoughtful decisions that align with their goals for the future.
Do Students Have to Choose a Career in 6th Grade?
No. Students are not expected to declare a career choice in 6th grade.
ACP is meant to be a time for students to learn more about themselves and explore how their interests and strengths may connect to future opportunities and careers. School staff, families, community members, and students all work together to support this exploration.
As students move through middle and high school, their plans are reviewed and updated regularly so they can make thoughtful decisions about their future.
What If a Student Changes Their Mind?
That is completely expected. ACP is designed to help students discover, explore, and learn as their interests and skills develop over time. Students are encouraged to review and revise their plans regularly as they grow and gain new experiences.
Changing goals is a natural part of the process and helps students make more informed decisions about their future.
Our Students are College, Career, and Life Ready
Career-Based Learning Benchmarks
College, Career, and Community Ready: All AASD graduates will be academically prepared & socially & emotionally competent by demonstrating content knowledge, career readiness, and life skills through their Academic and Career Plan (ACP) process.
All students in the AASD will experience a dynamic Academic Career Plan. This plan evolves from PK-12 learning experiences, both in and out of school, that support employability skills, career awareness, exploration, planning and training.