"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." DPI
For Cornell, teachers in every subject area work to make connections with students and help guide them through the stages of finding a career plan that is the best fit for them. It starts early with students knowing their strengths and interests. Throughout the process family, community, businesses, and other caring adults are also involved in helping each student reach their goals. This is a team approach!
How can you get involved with your student's ACP?
"There is a great deal of evidence that where family engagement is high, positive student outcomes follow. These include higher grades, higher test scores, improved self-efficacy, reduced risk-taking behavior, and increased college aspiration and enrollment. ACP recognizes the importance of family communication and engagement in our students' success." - DPI
Parents and families want their children to be successful. Here's a guide on how you can help guide and support your child through the Academic and Career Planning process.
Make a plan to check in regularly about schoolwork on Infinite Campus. If you keep up with your child's tests, papers and homework assignments, you can celebrate successes and head off problems as a team. Remember the goal is for students to learn responsibility for their own grades.
Talk over your child's course selection with them before and during the annual scheduling night. Don't make their schedule for them. A schedule should reflect the student's interests and abilities.
Contact teachers and staff at any time through email if you have questions or concerns.
Attend your child's yearly ACP meeting with your student.
Help your child set goals for the year. Working toward specific goals will help your child stay motivated and focused.
Review the school calendar together. Note important dates and put them in a shared online calendar or in an easy-to-view place, such as a bulletin board in your kitchen.
Talk about extracurricular activities. Getting involved in clubs and other groups is a great way for your child to identify interests and feel more engaged in school.
Discuss ways to take on challenges. Encourage your child to take the most-challenging courses that he or she can handle. Tackling tough courses can give your child confidence and prepare him or her for higher-level high school classes.
Come up with fun reading ideas. Look for magazines or newspapers your child may like and talk about the books you loved reading when you were your child’s age. If your family makes reading enjoyable, it can become a daily habit.
Visit a nearby college together. If you live near a college, look for upcoming events on campus that are open to the community or see if the college offers classes to local children and families. Just being on a campus may get your child interested in college.