College & Career Knowledge Career & Academic Planning Individual Learning Plan Rigorous Coursework Test Preparation Self-Reflection & Goal Setting Social & Emotional Skills Positive Communication Healthy Relationships Work Habits / Organization Engagement & Persistence Motivation / Self-Advocacy

Make a Plan Choose Challenging Academic Coursework Work Hard & Earn Good Grades Create a File of Important Documents & Examples of Your Best Work List Awards & Honors List School & Community Activities Document Volunteer Work Create a List of Colleges of Interest Work Hard to Meet Admission Standards Prepare for College Entrance Testing Develop Your Leadership Skills Become a Good Communicator

Individual Learning Plans are student-driven planning and monitoring tools that provide opportunities to identify postsecondary goals, explore college and career options and develop the skills necessary to be autonomous, self-regulated learners. Learning plans have been linked to a variety of developmental outcomes, including improved academic motivation, engagement, decision-making and personal accountability – characteristics that are increasingly seen as essential for success in postsecondary education and work. (From Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy – June 2011)

A Tool to Help Students become College & Career Ready! Showcase Quality Academic Work Discover Strengths & Interests Understand the Relationship Between Academic Achievement & Postsecondary Career and Educational Opportunities Set Meaningful Career and Academic Achievement Goals

Career Cruising Career Cruising is an internet-based, electronic portfolio program designed to organize & manage student portfolios and individual learning plans.

 Assessment Results  College & Career Interests  My Education Plan (Grades 9-12)  Examples of Best Work  Goals & Plans  Activities & Experiences  Awards & Certificates  Volunteer & Work Experience  Scholarships & Financial Aid  Journal Reflection on Career & Academic Plans

 Career Objectives  Education History  Work Experiences  Volunteer Experiences  Awards & Certificates  Extra Curricular Activities  Hobbies & Interests  Skills & Abilities  Additional Information  References

Part I: Academic Requirements At least three items from each of two core areas and one item from each remaining core area, for a minimum of eight items: English Mathematics Science Social Studies

At least three items from each of two elective areas, for a minimum of six items: Agriculture & Natural Resources, Art, Bilingual Education, Business, Computer Science, Driver Education, Family & Consumer Science, Health, World Languages, Music, Physical Education, Technology & Engineering

Students will articulate individual goals regarding current fitness levels and how they plan to maintain and/or improve their current level of physical fitness throughout their lifetime.

Students will create a personal financial plan based on individual needs and plans for the future. This requirement will be completed in their Economics class, Personal Finance or 21 st Century Living Class during grades 11 & 12.

Minimum Requirement: 10 Hours Students will be asked to complete a Record of Service Form which will help them document hours of service with signatures of adult supervisors.

Minimum of Three Items from the List Below Extra-curricular or co-curricular activities, leadership experiences, awards, certificates, photos, recordings, newspaper clippings, description of activities performed outside of school, work experience, evidence of hobbies, collections, trips, and other items that showcase interests, strengths and talents.

Students will begin working on their portfolios in a class called Future Connections during grade 9 and complete requirements in WHS classes, study halls, homeroom, and during Portfolio Development Workshops. Students can also complete their portfolios at home and everyday from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the LMC where computers & the internet are available.

Students will practice giving a presentation about their portfolios during Speech class junior or senior year.

Senior homeroom teachers will use a check list to evaluate the completion of the portfolio requirements during the spring semester. A grade of “Complete” or “Incomplete” will be used. Students must complete the portfolio requirements in order to graduate.

SAFT on Fridays during Semester II Homeroom Teachers will review portfolio requirements by using a checklist to determine completion status for each senior. Homerooms will meet in computer labs during this time.

Seniors will present their portfolios to a group which will include a teacher, community member, family and invited guests in June instead of taking final exams. Upon successful completion of the portfolio requirements and presentation, students will receive a certificate from the principal for a job well done!

15 Minute Presentation Outline: Part I: Introduction Part II: Academic Accomplishments Part III: Activities, Work Experience & Other Items Part IV: Community Service Part V: Career Portfolio Part VI: Conclusion 5-10 Minutes for Questions & Discussion

Students planning to graduate after 7 semesters will present their portfolios during after school hours on Monday, January 20

Portfolio Presentations for Seniors in the Class of 2014 will take place on Friday, June 6 between 12:30 and 3:00 p.m.

Portfolio Checklists Must Be Complete Before Seniors Will Be Permitted to Participate in the Senior Trip

STAFFRoom12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. BREAK 1:30 to 1:45 1:45 p.m. 2:15 p.m. Teacher267Student Teacher301Student Teacher131Student Teacher148Student Teacher149Student Teacher207Student Teacher404Student Teacher261Student Teacher202Student Teacher247Student

To produce responsible Whitewater High School graduates who begin their adult life with the knowledge, skills, confidence, meaningful goals and a self-directed plan for career and lifelong success and happiness!

Prepared for Success in the 21 st Century!

Creating a career & academic portfolio helped me discover the connection between my interests and strengths & many different career options after high school.

Career Cruising helped me discover an exciting career path.

Creating a meaningful career plan helped me understand the importance of preparing for the future and doing well in high school.

Showcasing examples of my best work during a presentation increased my motivation to produce quality projects and assignments.

Reflecting on my achievement in school inspired me to improve my grade point average.

Career & Academic planning in high school helped me set and achieve my goals.

I feel confident in my ability to be successful in my chosen career path.

Creating a Career & Academic Portfolio helps students discover the connection between their interests & strengths and many different career options after high school.

Career Cruising helps students discover an exciting career path.

Creating a meaningful career plan helps students understand the importance of preparing for the future and doing well in high school.

Showcasing examples of a student’s best work during a presentation increases motivation to produce quality projects & assignments.

Reflecting on achievement in school can motivate students to improve their grade point average.

Career & Academic planning in high school helps young people set and achieve goals.

The Career & Academic Portfolio helps young people discover the important connection between achievement in school and career & academic options after high school.

Career & Academic Portfolios with Individual Learning Plans Improves Student Achievement!