What Is Academic and Career Planning (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.

MISSION: Empowering ALL students to travel the road TO adulthood THROUGH education and training to careers.

VISION: Re-imagining K12 education to equip students: • With meaningful and supportive adult relationships • And the ability to adapt to opportunities and challenges • On their personalized journeys to successful lives.

The term ACP refers to both a process that helps students engage in academic and career development activities as well as a product that is created and maintained for students’ academic, career, and personal advancement. ACP is a student-driven, ongoing process that actively engages students enabling them to: • Understand their own interests, strengths, values, learning styles, • Create a vision of their future, • Develop individual goals, and • Prepare a personal plan for achieving their vision and goals.

The ACP Model “Know-Explore-Plan-Go” aligns Wisconsin ACP required components with research-based recommendations for incorporating career development throughout K12 for self-exploration, career exploration, and career planning and management.

Self Awareness (KNOW) • Periodic self-assessment of interests and strengths • Reflection and goal-setting • Financial knowledge & understanding of resources • Academic courses & skill preparation • Behavioral & employability skill preparation

Career Exploration(EXPLORE) • Middle School career exploration activities and opportunities • High School career exploration activities and opportunities • World of work and labor market needs • Understanding and comparing different postsecondary education & training

Career Planning (PLAN) • Planning skills • The Middle School plan • The High School plan 

Career Management(GO) • Executing the plan • Updating the plan with new information & artifacts • Conferencing & mentoring • Transitioning ACP Components

The School District of Mauston Implementation of PI-26

The School Board of the School District of Mauston “shall provide access to an education for employment program approved by the state superintendent. The purpose of education for employment programs is to prepare elementary and secondary pupils for employment, to promote cooperation between business and industry and public schools, and to establish a role for public schools in the economic development of Wisconsin. This chapter defines education for employment programs, describes the process for approval of education for employment plans, and establishes approval criteria for education for employment programs.”

The current job market’s impact on student preparation

Labor market information suggests that careers in Health Care, Manufacturing, IT, and Hospitality are the fastest-growing career fields in our area.  For this reason, the School District of Mauston provides students with the opportunity to participate in Youth Apprenticeships, School to Work, and Dual Credit options in these fields. A Fab Lab at the high school, Hospitality Academy, ProStart curriculum, and college-level manufacturing and IT coursework provide students with real-world experience on-site.  

Students are provided with information and guidance to make informed decisions regarding their educational and career path whether their career goals are leading to an in-demand career area or a unique, narrow occupational area. Through the utilization of Career Cruising, career exploration events, self-assessment, and dual credit course-work the School District of Mauston prepares students for life beyond high school in a variety of ways.

All high school juniors are encouraged to participate in a job shadow with a person who works in a field related to the student’s career interest. Our high school students participate in mock interviews, prepare resumes and job applications, and research specific career areas in which the student plans to pursue after high school.

Communication with parents regarding Academic and Career Planning

The School District of Mauston School Counseling staff meets with students in 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade and their parents. The School Counseling and ACP websites are another form of communication with parents and the community regarding ACP and School Counseling programming.

While ACP advisors contact parents regularly throughout the year regarding student progress one parent-teacher conference per year is dedicated to parent-advisor meetings.

Connecting students with staff as they participate in Academic and Career Planning

Middle School EAGLE Time

Students at Olson Middle School participate in weekly EAGLE time throughout their middle school career. Students are in groups of 13-18 students from their same grade level. This group will work with a Mauston staff member as their Advisor. Groups will meet weekly for approximately 30 minutes and participate in an EAGLE Time Lesson.  During these lessons, students will develop skills to ensure success in middle school, develop an Academic Career Portfolio, and make a connection with other students, the staff, and the school creating a positive environment to learn and grow.

High School Pride Time

Students at Mauston High School participate in weekly Pride Time throughout their high school career. Students are in groups of 10-15 students from their same grade level. This group will work with a Mauston faculty member as their Advisor. Groups will meet once per week for approximately 30 minutes. Every month, students will participate in the Academic and Career Planning Lesson.  During these lessons, students will develop skills to ensure success in high school, develop a Career Portfolio, and make a connection with other students, the staff, and the school in an atmosphere that fosters career and college readiness.