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Sparta schools expand academic and career planning; high school to pilot four‑year student portfolio
Summary
Middle and high school staff described expanded Academic and Career Planning (ACP) efforts including Xello assessments, career clusters, dual‑credit and apprenticeship partnerships, and a proposed district‑wide four‑year electronic portfolio for students.
Sparta Area School District counselors and staff told the school board they are expanding Academic and Career Planning (ACP) for students, emphasizing earlier career exposure, community partnerships and a four‑year electronic portfolio to document skills and goals.
Middle school counselors described use of Xello, a college and career readiness platform, and a “matchmaker” assessment that presents students with about 300 occupations and rates them as an excellent, good, fair or poor match. Counselors said Xello provides personality and learning style assessments, videos and career outlook information used for student research projects.
At the high school, counselors and teachers reported ACP is integrated into regular curriculum and school activities. Students participate in resume writing, mock interviews, career research in personal finance, dual‑credit courses through Western Technical College and UW‑Oshkosh, and technical programs (welding and CNC) that offer industry certifications. Staff highlighted local employer partnerships, a career and education fair with regional businesses and military representation, an alumni panel of seven district graduates and youth apprenticeship placements coordinated by staff.
Counselors presented a proposed four‑year electronic portfolio that students would build from freshman through senior year. The portfolio would collect artifacts — resumes, reflections on projects, interview practice, ACT benchmark goals and other evidence of learning and employability — and would be portable after graduation. Staff said the portfolio would be partly directed by teachers (e.g., to record class projects) and partly student‑driven, with prompts for reflection to help students connect learning to career goals.
Board members praised the work, calling ACP “the nuts and bolts of the school district” and highlighting the importance of teacher involvement in connecting classroom learning to careers. Staff asked for continued support for guest speakers, employer tours, staff training and expanded fifth‑grade exposure. The district plans to continue ACP work with building teams throughout the year and to report on implementation progress.
