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.

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. The ACP process supports the District's  Vision for its Graduates, a vision that was developed side by side with stakeholders and is further developed within the District's strategic planning efforts and Education for Employment plan.  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
• 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 Component