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District 211 presents postsecondary success plan emphasizing Maya Learning and career pathways
Summary
District 211 staff presented Goal 7 of the five‑year strategic plan, outlining use of the Illinois PACE framework, the Maya Learning platform, a 'Pathway to Your Future' guidebook and a goal to increase career‑exploration participation by 3% annually.
District 211 staff on Monday presented the district's five‑year strategic plan update and detailed Goal 7, which focuses on college and career readiness.
Josh Shoemaker, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and Michelle Napier, director of college and career readiness, told the board the district has aligned its work to the Illinois Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PACE) framework and adapted that template locally using the Maya Learning platform. Shoemaker said the plan combines district indicators, strategies and targets to give every student multiple options after high school.
Napier described Maya Learning as the district's tool for four‑year planning and individualized guidance, and said the district provided professional development to staff and resources to parents over the past three years. She said counselors introduce freshmen to the system and that the interest profiler is completed within the first three weeks of school.
The presentation also introduced a district guidebook, 'Pathway to Your Future,' which Napier said outlines a four‑step approach for students: awareness, exploration, experiences and creating a four‑year plan. Staff described career exploration activities — guest speakers, job fairs, panels, internships and campus visits — and noted more than 60 dual‑credit courses and partnerships with local colleges such as Harper College.
On targets, staff said Strategy 7.3 establishes a baseline of participation in career exploration and a goal to increase involvement by about 3% each year. Napier also reported survey feedback from students (about 180–200 responses) that she described as “really positive,” and said Special Education teams are using the platform to support IEP transition planning.
Board members asked about accessibility for students with IEPs and the timing of the interest profiler. Napier and Shoemaker said Maya Learning includes accessibility features (enlarged print, line readers, adjustable pacing) and that counselors meet with freshmen during scheduled time to complete the profiler. The board also discussed how the district identifies and supports goals that may be challenging for a student; staff described a combination of whole‑group information, individual counselor follow‑up and embedded conversations throughout students' secondary careers.
The presentation closed with board appreciation for staff and for recent hands‑on events, including a student‑built homes open house that trustees said illustrated career and technical education outcomes.
The district tied the strategic plan to ongoing implementation work, but no formal board action on the plan was required or taken at the meeting.
