Academic and Career Planning
Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) students and their families use academic and career plans to make more informed choices about postsecondary education and training for careers.
MPS is committed to making sure every student graduates college and career ready. That means students must be competent both socially and emotionally, be strong critical thinkers, be able to collaborate and solve real-world problems, and be ready to persevere when things aren’t quite going their way. When put together, it’s about making them productive adults with satisfying careers.
Academic and career planning (ACP) is done by all MPS students with the support of their school counselors. Throughout middle and high school, students view and update their ACP documents as they are guided through a journey of college and career possibilities. Parents/guardians support ongoing career exploration and are invited to participate in ACP conferences with their child and the school counselor in fifth, seventh, ninth, and eleventh grades.
Each student’s ACP is stored in Xello in their online portfolio. The ACP process consists of four key components:
- Know: Who am I?
- Explore: What do I want to do?
- Plan: How do I get there?
- Go: Do it!
Xello
MPS students in all grades use Xello (formerly Career Cruising) to learn more about themselves and to develop their ACPs. Xello is an online program for building your skills, knowledge, and plans to be future ready. It uses an investigative, discovery-based learning process to help you better understand yourself, your future career options, and the 21st-century skills you will need to succeed.
- Grades K5–5: Students use a comprehensive learning game that introduces them to age-appropriate life skills and career guidance. There is a "learning styles" assessment for fourth graders.
- Grades 6–12: Students use lessons, assessments, and college and career profiles to develop and store their ACPs.
Throughout their academic careers, MPS students will use Xello to:
- Build self-knowledge: Define your interests, skills, preferences, and aspirations so you can explore the different career opportunities that are right for you.
- Explore options: Learn about different career possibilities and education pathways through lessons and other content.
- Create a plan: Outline the steps you need to take to achieve your academic, career, and life goals.
- Learn and reassess: Use interactive lessons to develop age-appropriate skills and knowledge for success in school and beyond.
Families are encouraged to also explore Xello with their students by logging in together. Students can log into their account via a desktop computer or mobile device (Chromebook, tablet, or phone) to share what they have learned about themselves, the world of work, and their future options.
Xello: Make Every Student Future Ready! (VIDEO)
ACP Opportunities for MPS Students
- Career and technical education (CTE) (pathways and work-based learning opportunities)
- Dual enrollment opportunities
- Direct Admit
- Internships
- School-to-Work Transition Program
- Youth apprenticeship program
ACP Resources
- Expected Outcomes for K–12 Students
- Scope and Sequence: Grades K–5
- Scope and Sequence: Grade 6
- Scope and Sequence: Grade 7
- Scope and Sequence: Grade 8
- Scope and Sequence: Grade 9
- Scope and Sequence: Grade 10
- Scope and Sequence: Grade 11
- Scope and Sequence: Grade 12
Education for Employment (E4E) Plan
The MPS Education for Employment (E4E) plan outlines a comprehensive approach to preparing all students for future academic and career success. Through aligned curriculum, real-world learning experiences, and strong partnerships with families and the community, the E4E plan ensures that students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to pursue their post-secondary goals. We are committed to working collaboratively to support every student from kindergarten through graduation as they explore pathways and prepare for success in an ever-changing world.