ACES Professional Development

Workshop Agenda Welcome/Intros Review of SSP Core Components: Ensuring that we’re covering it all Samples from other districts Next Steps 2

Discussion In groups, discuss how you feel Wallingford’s SSP implementation is going. What’s working? What isn’t? 3

State of Connecticut Public Act No  An act concerning implementation dates for the Secondary School Reform…  Section 2(j)  “For the school year commencing July 1, 2012, and each school year thereafter, each local and regional board of education shall create a student success plan for each student enrolled in a public school, beginning in grade six. Such student success plan shall include a student’s career and academic choices in grades six to twelve, inclusive.” 4

RESOURCE ALERT! See this document: Connecticut State Department of Education Student Success Plans 5

The SSP is not: The sole responsibility of school counselors Only necessary for students who are not meeting age and/or grade level expectations A plan developed for students An electronic system A plan to begin in grade 6 with a gradual roll-out A plan that tracks students into a career path beginning in grade 6 An inflexible career track A plan that requires an electronic system 6

Secondary School Reform Engagement Individual Student Success Plan Capstone Experience Implement Best Intervention Practices Increase Significance of Middle Schools in Secondary School Reform Place Greater Attention on an Expanded Educational Range - Grades 6-14 Expand External Partnerships necticutPlan.pdf 7

Student Success Plan Implementation should foster, support, monitor and document : Regular mentor/advisor, student and family interaction Progress in meeting rigorous expectations 21st Century Skills Engagement in academic, career, and social/emotional/ physical skills with connection to school/community Goal setting and related activities for: academic growth career exploration and planning personal, social/emotional and physical growth 8

Student Success Plan Implementation should foster, support, monitor and document: Compilation of student best work samples in a portfolio system, including Capstone Experiences Opportunities for workplace development and demonstration Written student reflection on personal strengths and areas that need improvement Communication between school and parent/guardian, and among school personnel Identification of students who need proactive support and intervention Active, responsible student participation in the plan development and continued evolution 9

Student Success Plan – Core Components Academic Development Rigorous core academic and elective courses integrating 21 st century skills Elective courses within a career pathway or area of interest Capstone projects or student portfolios as a means to transition into postsecondary education or employment Guided assistance with SSP by counselors, adult mentors/advisors, teachers and parents Provision of timely intervention Experiential learning: job shadows, internships, cooperative work, community service Opportunities for college credit while in HS 10

Student Success Plan – Core Components Career Development Interest and ability inventories Career exploration activities Elective courses Postsecondary education and career pathway development Work-based learning experiences 11

Student Success Plan – Core Components Social, Emotional and Physical Development Effective decision-making skills Empathic interactions and community service Utilizing supportive resources Healthy and safe life skills/choices Broadened awareness of self within a global context Identification of school and community resources 12

RESOURCE ALERT! See this document: Aligning Student Success Plans (SSPs) with IEPs, SOPs, Section 504 Plans, and Individualized Healthcare Plans 13

Relax! You’re already doing a lot to meet SSP requirements Today’s work will focus on: Identify what learning experiences you’re already providing Do a gap analysis Categorize your activities Potentially assign staff Create a timeline Determine outcome measures 14

Make Sure You’ve Got it All South Windsor Simsbury Tolland Region 14 Use/reuse the template to include ALL that you are doing (PE Test, Senior Project, College Fair, Financial Aid Night, etc.) 15

Implementation Advisory- personalized student education Committee- include union reps, get student feedback/input, 1-2 reps per grade level, funding “Canned curriculum”- no prep for teachers Shared folders- Dropbox, Google Docs 16

Next Steps? 17