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Board reviews updated Academic and Career Plan guidelines emphasizing early career exploration and "3E" readiness
Summary
VDOE staff presented first-review revisions to Academic and Career Plan guidelines that emphasize three-E readiness (employment, enlistment, enrollment), expand elementary career exploration (ACPP), and require formal ACPs in grades 7 dr 12; board members asked for continued flexibility to avoid burdensome paperwork.
The Virginia Department of Education presented first-review revisions to statewide Academic and Career Plan (ACP) guidance designed to strengthen alignment with the board's school performance and support framework.
Deputy Superintendent Dwayne McCray and Dr. Michelle Wallace said the updated guidelines emphasize "3E" readiness'employment, enlistment and enrollment'and encourage early career exploration via an Academic and Career Plan Portfolio (ACPP) in elementary school that feeds into a formal ACP beginning in grades 7 through 12. The guidance calls for annual ACP review in high school and for divisions to provide developmentally appropriate, student-centered materials and professional development to support implementation.
Staff said the changes reflect practitioner feedback and prior updates (guidelines were originally adopted in 2009 and most recently updated in 2024). The revised format is intended to be more user-friendly and to help divisions incorporate ACPs into classroom practice, while retaining local flexibility for how portfolios and plans are compiled.
Board member Mr. Robinson praised moving exploration to earlier grades but cautioned that required forms and signatures should not reduce scheduling flexibility for internships and other experiential opportunities; he urged continued work to preserve flexibility and avoid turning the ACP into a paperwork exercise.
The superintendent recommended the board receive the item for first review; staff said VDOE will offer professional development and technical assistance prior to final adoption. The item was accepted for first review and will return to the board in August for further consideration.
