STATEWIDE PRIORITIES
While schools and districts may have individualized needs and priorities, some remain the same. Here are a few ways we align and meet statewide prioritizes:
Priority: Academic Success & Graduation
Strategies:
- Adult mentoring
- Academic remediation & guidance
- Trauma-informed care identifies the effect of adverse childhood experiences on behaviors, values and accountability.
Proven outcomes:
- 97% graduation rate (2022-2023 school year)
- Improved attendance
- Better grades
- Increased participation in class
Priority: Individual Learning Plans (ILPs)
Strategies:
- Adult mentoring
- Academic remediation & guidance
- Small-group instruction with average class size of 10-15
- Learner-centered teaching model that includes trauma-informed care, project-based learning, work-based learning and employer engagement
- AEA 7 Essential Constructs
Proven outcomes:
- Improved understanding of purpose and direction
- Improved sense of belonging
- Improved preparedness for the career and life
Priority: Career Education
Strategies:
- A nationally recognized JAG program model
- Employer engagement inside and outside the classroom
- Onsite job tours
- Hybrid learning models and hands-on or virtual job shadowing
- Project-based learning
- Work-based learning
Proven outcomes:
- Real understanding of career pathways
- Improved sense of purpose and direction
- Increased preparedness for career and life
- Meaningful relationships with employers and community
Priority: Postsecondary Transition
Strategies:
- Interest and aptitude tests
- Postsecondary and vocational training placement services
- Local military branch partnerships
- Job placement services
- 12-month post-graduation support plans
Proven outcomes:
- 58% continued education rate
- 90% positive outcomes
Priority: Workplace Preparedness
Strategies:
- A nationally recognized JAG program model
- Competency-based curriculum
- Project-based learning (PBL)
- Work-based learning (WBL)
- Mock interviews
- Resume-building and mentorships or workshops with employer
Proven outcomes:
- Meaningful relationships with employers
- Drive to Jobs through earn-and-learn, internships, apprenticeships, part-time or full-time work
- Increased likelihood of job placement
- Resume, cover letter and LinkedIn account development
- Strong interview skills
Priority: Community Collaboration
Strategies:
- Civic involvement
- Federal Trio Model – Iowa Workforce Development, the Iowa Department of Human Services and agency partners who support the legal & justices system, mental health, community colleges and more
- Volunteerism
Proven outcomes:
- Civic-minded youth
- Resiliency
- Increased investment in local communities
- Increased likelihood of pursuing continued education and/or work locally