1. Part 1: Overview of Individualized Learning Plans (101) Hosted/Facilitated by: Laura Gleneck, NDI Technical Assistance Team Presented by: DJ Ralston, NDI Technical Assistance Team Curtis Richards, Institute for Educational Leadership, National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth DEI Grantee Training Series / Career Pathways 2015 1

2. Host / Moderator Host / Moderator: Laura Gleneck Title: Project Manager for the DEI, NDI Technical Assistance Team Organization: NDI Consulting, Inc. 2

3. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this training, DEI grantees will have the following: Overview of Career Pathways as it relates to the DEI What an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) is Research Findings: Key Components of Individualized Learning Plans Resources around Individualized Learning Plans 3

4. Agenda Background DEI and Career Pathways Career Pathways Individualized Learning Plans as a tool within Career Pathways Overview of Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) Who is NCWD/Youth Current use of ILPs What is a quality ILP What does research show about the use of ILPs How can ILPs be used by DEI projects Tools/Resources around ILPs 4

5. Presenters Presenter: DJ Ralston Title: TA Liaison, NDI Technical Assistance Team Organization: National Disability Institute Presenter: Curtis Richards Title: Director, Center for Workforce Development Organization: Institute for Educational Leadership 5

6. Background DEI and Career Pathways 6

7. Career Pathways Starting in 2014, DEI projects support job-driven approaches in career pathway systems and programs to equip youth and adults with disabilities with the skills, competencies, and credentials necessary to help obtain in- demand jobs, increase earnings, and advance their careers. Under the DEI, career pathways are defined as: Career pathways are a series of connected education and training strategies and support services that enable individuals to secure industry relevant certifications and obtain employment within an occupational area and to advance to higher levels of future education and employment in that area. A career pathways system is a series of connected education and training strategies and support services that enable individuals to secure industry relevant certification and obtain employment within an occupational area, established through the alignment of secondary and postsecondary education with workforce development systems and human services at the local, regional, or state level. 7

8. Career Pathways and Individualized Learning Plans Focus of Career Pathways Systems is the alignment of Secondary and Post-Secondary education with the public Workforce System and Health and Human Services: Individualized Learning Plans or “ILPs” is one promising approach to help make these connections. ILPs provide short term and long range planning by aligning educational course loads with occupational objectives. ILPs combine the relevant facets of the workforce development system’s career exploration and career planning and management activities ILPs use a self-exploration approach as the base to inform these activities while simultaneously aligning course selection with defined goals. 8

9. Career Pathways and ILPs According to the DEI: A career pathway is a series of articulated educational and training programs and services that enable adults and youth, often while they are working, to advance over time to successively higher levels of education and employment in a given industry or occupational sector. An Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is a road map along the participant's career pathway designed to prepare students to progress to the next level of education and employment. Career pathways target jobs in high- demand industries in the local economies. They are designed to create both an avenue of advancement for workers, jobseekers, and new labor market entrants, as well as a supply of qualified workers for local and regional businesses. Allowable Use of Grant Funds: Staff time developing and implementing alternate assessment strategies, Individual Learning Plans, outreach and recruitment to individuals with disabilities, engagement with businesses, and customized employment strategies for adults with significant disabilities; 9

10. Career Pathways and ILPs While ILPs were originally developed and targeted to assist youth in transition in a secondary education environment, the ILP is a tool and process that could easily be modified and used with adults who are interested in entering a Career Pathway. I The ILP can also serve as a great planning tool to compliment and support the Individual Employment Plan and the Individual Service Strategy through WIA Title 1 activities. The ILP is a tool that utilizes a job-driven approach to education and training which aligns itself nicely with Career Pathways and the larger objectives of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) 10

11. Overview of Individualized Learning Plans 11

12. National Collaborative on Workforce & Disability for Youth, a national technical assistance center Focus on transition needs of ALL youth, including youth with disabilities and other disconnected youth –Improve state and local policy –Strengthen workforce development service delivery –Improve competencies of youth service professionals –Engage youth and families Supported by Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor 12 NCWD/Youth

13. Current Use of ILPs 13

14. Individualized Learning Plans An ILP is developed by youth in school typically beginning in middle school or no later than 9 th grade 37 states & DC require or encourage ILPs for all students States use different names – Education & Career Action Plan in AZ, Student Success Plan in CT, many more Purposes for ILP in education system: To personalize learning To develop college and career readiness To prepare early to meet graduation requirements ILP is not the same as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students with disabilities 14

15. Individualized Learning Plans Individualized Learning Plans Which states require or encourage using ILPs? ILP Policy Map: http://www.dol.gov/odep/ilp/map/ http://www.dol.gov/odep/ilp/map/ 15

16. What is a quality ILP 16

17. What is a Quality ILP? A document consisting of: (a) course taking and post-secondary plans aligned to career goals; and (b) documentation of the range of college and career readiness skills that the student has developed. A process that enhances the relevance of school and out-of- school learning opportunities, and provides the student access to career development opportunities that involve building skills in self exploration, career exploration, and career planning and management. 17

18. Quality Individualized Planning Youth drive the plan, take ownership of goals & action steps Engages youth in ongoing career development process: –Self Exploration - Exploring their personal interests, skills, values to better understand themselves –Career Exploration - Learning about various career options and related postsecondary options and career pathways; online career information AND hands-on activities –Career Planning & Management - Defining own goals & plans for pursuing careers, continuing ed, & other life goals; Developing career readiness skills; Making informed decisions about education, training, other activities 18

19. Research on Use of ILPs 19

20. How Quality Plans Benefit Youth Findings from National Research Study on ILPs Engaging in Quality ILPs Increases Goal Setting Increases Motivation Increases Academic Self- Efficacy Improves GPA, Career Decision- Making Readiness; Lowers Distress 20

21. Youth Who Actively Engaged in Career Development Can: Identify one or more careers of interest Clearly describe plans to pursue the careers of interest Connect career plans to personal interests, skills & values Identify how current courses relate to career plan Articulate skill & entry requirements for careers Engage in additional learning opportunities Describe their needed skills & future development plan Exercise these skills throughout life – Ready to engage in lifelong career planning & management 21

22. Do Schools in Your Community Use ILPs? Questions to Ask: At what grade level do students start using them? Are they required for all students? Which students? What information is documented in the plan? What career development activities are part of process? Do youth have access to ILP online that continues after they leave school? (ePortfolio/career information system) Is it meaningful to the youth? Are youth taking ownership of goals & plans for future? How are workforce development providers, employers, & other community organizations involved? 22

23. Reasons Why ILPs Matter 1)Inform the Individual Development Plan 2) Create Continuity, Relevance for Youth 3) Free Tools & Strategies You Can Use 4) Opportunity to Increase Collaboration & Coordination 5) Increasing Youth Ownership of Future Plans & Career Development 23

24. Successful Strategies Use online career info systems/ E-Portfolios to make activities & plans easy to access anywhere, anytime (ensure Section 508 complaint) Make career development activities part of regular school day - advisory periods, integrate into weekly class Assign each student a mentor/advisor – same teacher or counselor from grade to grade who supports career dev. Adopt student-led parent-teacher conferences & IEP meetings Engage employers & community partners – work experiences, guest speakers, job shadowing, career mentors, career projects 24

25. Successful Strategies Focus on the whole person using a positive youth development approach Develop a supportive relationship with youth by discussing their strengths, needs, and goals in all 5 areas of youth development: 1.Learning 2.Working 3.Connecting 4.Leading 5.Thriving 25

26. Youth Development Approach Area 1: Learning Focus: Doing my best in school and educational settings. Sample Youth Interview Questions: What is your favorite class? Why? Who is/was your favorite teacher? What do you see as your strengths at school? What’s challenging for you at school? What helps you do your best in your classes? What are your current education goals? 26

27. Youth Development Approach Area 2: Working Focus: Exploring careers and getting ready to find and keep a job. Sample Youth Interview Questions: Do you currently have a job? What if any jobs have you had in the past? (paid/unpaid, long/short-term) Do you have any services that you charge others for? (e.g. lawn mowing, babysitting) What jobs have you liked best? Why? (If no work experience: What type of work do you think you would like best?) What are any skills or qualities you have that are/could be useful in a job? What if anything is/could be challenging for you in a job? Have you ever had any job related training? (e.g. food handling, customer service, computer program) What are your current career goals? 27

28. Youth Development Approach Area 3: Connecting Focus: Building supporting relationships, networking, and connecting to resources. Sample Youth Interview Questions: Who do you hang out with the most? At home? At school? Who do you consider your closest friends? Which adults do you spend the most time with at school? Who would you go to for help or advice? Which neighbors do you know well? Which businesses do you and your family go to most frequently? Do any of your family members or friends own businesses? Do you know anyone in politics, government services, or advocacy? Do you have a mentor? What if any particular goals do you have related to getting support from others, networking, or connecting to resources? 28

29. Youth Development Approach Area 4: Thinking Focus: Making positive choices for my health and well-being. Sample Youth Interview Questions: What do you do for recreation? Fun? Do you have a regular doctor? a dentist? When was the last time you had a check-up? Do you have any health or mental health conditions that currently require treatment? If so, are you able to access the treatment? Do you go regularly to appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions for taking care of yourself? Are you eating healthy? Do you have access to healthy meals each day? Are you getting daily exercise? Who do you talk to when you have a problem? What other ways do you cope with stress and challenges? What is your current housing situation? Is this a safe and stable living arrangement? (If not, are there other housing options to consider?) What if any particular goals do you have related to your health and well-being? 29

30. Youth Development Approach Area 5: Leading Focus: Being involved in my community and setting goals for myself. Sample Youth Interview Questions: What if any community groups or clubs are you a part of? In what ways are you currently or have you been a leader? What opportunities have you had to be a leader at school? At work? Among your peers or in your family? If you were to start your own club or community group, what would it be? What are some ways you are “in charge” or take positive steps to direct your own life? Do you get opportunities to make decisions about your life? What if any particular goals do you have related to leadership or other personal interests? (Goals for your life or to improve your habits?) Do you have a plan to reach those goals? Do you have or need support in reaching those goals? 30

31. Youth Driven Planning Youth set S.M.A.R.T. goals Youth outline action steps they will take to work toward goals Youth understand how the program will support them to achieve goals they set for themselves. Together, outline action steps the staff and/or mentor will take. Youth identify any other support or services they may need to be successful (e.g. accommodations, mentoring, tutoring, transportation). Work together to get youth connected to these. Youth regularly review what actions they have taken through peer group or one-on-one meeting. Try weekly goal setting and peer support! Youth present their goals, plan, and progress to their support network (family, mentors, teachers, others). 31

32. Individualized Learning Plans and DEI Projects 32

33. ILPs and the DEI We already know how an ILP can be used with and by youth but there is also potential for the Individualized Learning Plan to be used with Adults with just a few small tweaks. We know from just having learned about ILPs that they are based on three main components, Self Exploration, Career Exploration and Career Planning and Management. All three of these areas are also essential to adults as they set career goals. In the second part of this webinar series we will discuss in greater detail the importance of Self Exploration, Career Exploration and Career Planning and Management for both Youth and Adults. 33

34. ILPs and the DEI Additionally, during the second part of the ILP Series we will delve into more detail about potential uses of Individualized Learning Plans as a tool to aid in identifying and preparing youth and adults to enter a Career Pathway. Part 2 of this series will also include the introduction to tools that are customized to both the youth and adult populations such as an Individual Career Development Profile that can be used as the basis for ILP and Career Planning as well as for the Integrated Resource Team (IRT) Model. Discussion about how an ILP can be used as a compliment to the WIA Title one plans such as the Individual Employment Plan (Adult/DLW) and the Individual Service Strategy (Youth). 34

35. Review of DEI and Individualized Learning Plans According to the DEI: A career pathway is a series of articulated educational and training programs and services that enable adults and youth, often while they are working, to advance over time to successively higher levels of education and employment in a given industry or occupational sector. An Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is a road map along the participant's career pathway designed to prepare students to progress to the next level of education and employment. Career pathways target jobs in high- demand industries in the local economies. They are designed to create both an avenue of advancement for workers, jobseekers, and new labor market entrants, as well as a supply of qualified workers for local and regional businesses. Allowable Use of Grant Funds: Staff time developing and implementing alternate assessment strategies, Individual Learning Plans, outreach and recruitment to individuals with disabilities, engagement with businesses, and customized employment strategies for adults with significant disabilities; 35

36. Individualized Learning Plans Tools and Resources 36

37. Use the ILP How-to Guide 37 Includes Sample Lessons, Activities & Tools for: Self Exploration Career Exploration Career Planning & Management Job Search Skills Youth Development and Leadership Career and Work-Readiness Skills Work-Based Learning Financial Literacy http://www.ncwd-youth.info/ilp/how-to-guide

38. Career Development  Using Career Interest Inventories, http://www.ncwd- youth.info/innovative-strategies/practice-briefs/using-career-interest- inventories-to-inform-career-planninghttp://www.ncwd- youth.info/innovative-strategies/practice-briefs/using-career-interest- inventories-to-inform-career-planning  Career Exploration in Action, http://www.ncwd- youth.info/innovative-strategies/practice-briefs/career-exploration-in- actionhttp://www.ncwd- youth.info/innovative-strategies/practice-briefs/career-exploration-in- action  Engaging Youth in Work Experiences, http://www.ncwd- youth.info/innovative-strategies/practice-briefs/engaging-youth-in- work-experienceshttp://www.ncwd- youth.info/innovative-strategies/practice-briefs/engaging-youth-in- work-experiences  Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success, http://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/youth/softskills/http://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/youth/softskills/  Understanding the New Vision for Career Development: The Role of Family: http://www.ncwd-youth.info/understanding-the-new- vision-for-career-development-the-role-of-familyhttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/understanding-the-new- vision-for-career-development-the-role-of-family  411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Youth: http://www.ncwd-youth.info/411-on-disability-disclosure http://www.ncwd-youth.info/411-on-disability-disclosure 38

39. Learn More About ILPs  How-to Guide: “Promoting Quality Individualized Learning Plans: A How to Guide Focused on the High School Years” www.ncwd-youth.info/ilp/how-to-guidewww.ncwd-youth.info/ilp/how-to-guide  ILP Fact Sheet: http://www.ncwd-youth.info/fact- sheet/individualized-learning-planhttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/fact- sheet/individualized-learning-plan  Policy Brief: “Using Individualized Learning Plans to Produce College and Career Ready High School Graduates” http://www.ncwd-youth.info/ilp/produce- college-and-career-ready-high-school-graduateshttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/ilp/produce- college-and-career-ready-high-school-graduates  ILP Resources Home Page: www.ncwd-youth.info/ilpwww.ncwd-youth.info/ilp 39

40. Summary In today’s presentation we covered the following: The connection between Career Pathways and the use of Individualized Learning Plans (ILP) A general overview of an Individualized Learning Plan including: Who is currently using an Individualized Learning Plan How Individualized Learning Plans are intended to be used Information on what a quality Individualized Learning Plan contains Why Individualized Learning Plans are useful Additional Resources for developing Individualized Learning Plans 40

41. Next Steps Plan to join us for Part 2 of our two-part training series on Individualized Learning Plans. We will be sending out Registration Logistics for Part 2 via the DEI listserv. So stay tuned! 41

42. Questions If you have a comment or question you can: A: Submit it to the host in writing via the Chat or Q&A Box to the right, or… B: Click on the “raise hand” icon to have your line un-muted and ask your question/make your comment. 42

43. Contact Information DJ Ralston NDI Technical Assistance Team P: 740-398-5247 E: dralston@ndi-inc.orgdralston@ndi-inc.org Curtis Richards Institute for Educational Leadership P: 202-822-8405, ext163 E: richardsc@iel.orgrichardsc@iel.org 43