Individualized Learning PlansIndividualized Learning Plans

A Study to Identify and Promote Promising A Study to Identify and Promote Promising PracticesPractices

Project Overview

ILPs: A new generation of educational

innovation

Defining ILPs for this project

Research goals and outcomes

A capacity building strategy to support

innovation and research

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Reforming the Means

Since 1983, progressively focused, MEANS driven

reforms called upon states to:

– Set world class academic standards

– Use assessment to document learning and close

gaps

– Improve teacher education

– Develop partnerships with parents, businesses, and

postsecondary education institutions

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. . . . to Reforming the Ends

All students graduate ready for college, careers and citizenship (Achieve.org)

All students deserve the opportunity to graduate from high school and to participate successfully in work and education after high school (Pathways to College Network)

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Additional END focused reforms:

To identify what youth need in order to achieve successful participation in postsecondary education and training, civic engagement, meaningful employment, and adult life (National Alliance for Secondary Education and Transition, 2006)

State performance plan indicators (IDEA 2004)

Indicators 1,2,13,14

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Framing the Means-End Gap

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Addressing the Means-End Gap

Discover what works locally

Exploit international, national and state longitudinal data systems for local status and performance evidence

Develop expertise and tools for local collaboration

Create strategic research and innovation partnerships

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ILPs: Central to Linking Means and Ends-driven reform

According to ECS, 20 states now have ILP policies, 14 with two or more years of implementation.

Guided by evidence based practices, e.g. advisories, culminating projects, parent engagement

Informed by key outcomes, e.g., high school and beyond plan, certificate of individual or academic achievement, expanded graduation requirements

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Individual Learning Plan: A Definition

An Individualized Learning Plan is a strategic planning tool which assists students in course selections and provides opportunities for coordinated learning experiences, including career development and career exploration activities intended to help them identify and achieve post-secondary goals. 

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ILP Study Goals and Purpose

To what extent do students with more robust and fully-implemented ILP’s:– demonstrate more engagement in career

decision-making?– report more confidence in the career search

process? and – report higher workforce readiness?

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In addition…

To what extent do students with more robust

and fully-implemented ILP’s:– understand the relevance of course material and

learning experiences that support increased academic and career development?

– perform better in school as indicated by grades, attendance, and assessment scores?

– Have better longitudinal outcomes?

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Selection of States

Of the 20 states requiring ILPs, seven states appeared to use them extensively in high school settings

In consultation with ODEP, four states were chosen for this study: Washington, New Mexico, South Carolina, Louisiana

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Research Design

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Guideposts for Success Indicators

Curriculum Indicators

Social Cognitive Career TheoryILP Indicators of a

Quality Learning Environment

Decision-Making Readiness

Career SearchSelf-Efficacy

Adaptability

Resilience

Career Development Indicators

Workforce DevelopmentIndicators

Engagement

The Guideposts for Success

Learning Experiences to Support Career Development

1. School-Based Preparatory Experiences

2. Career Preparation & Work-Based Learning

Experiences

3. Youth Development & Leadership Opportunities

4. Connecting Activities

5. Family Involvement and Support Activities

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Capacity Building and Research Strategy

Phase 1 Conduct a context and needs analysis

Phase 2 Design ILP intervention and evaluation

Phase 3 Generate a program improvement plan

Phase 4 Collect formative feedback and improve performance

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Action PlansTechnical Assistance Needs

ODEP, NCWD/Youth, and the CEW will co-manage a capacity building process with each school team

The TA and PD will include: – Webinars and consulting– Conferencing with other states and schools– Compiling and examining data– Communicating results locally and nationally

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Products and Resources from NCWD/Youth

• How to Guides• Information and Policy Briefs• Background Papers• Facts and Statistics• Jump Starts • Funding Sources• Training Materials

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Our Web Sites

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth www.ncwd-youth.info

U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) http://www.dol.gov/odep/

Center on Education and Work (CEW)

http://www.cew.wisc.edu/

Institute on Community Integration (ICI)

http://ici.umn.edu/

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