Education for Employment / Academic and Career Planning Plan 2025-2026

The School District of South Milwaukee has a long history of providing robust career education programs to its students, and closely aligns its Career and Technical Education offerings to the needs of the community as evidenced by its programs being designed to follow the Milwaukee 7 Regional Career Pathways (RCP) recommendations.

Other indicators of quality programming and participation include:

• In the 24/25 school year, 76% of SMHS students took at least one CTE course, vs. 71% in 23/24 and 68% in 22/23.
• 95% of 2025 SMHS graduates took at least one CTE course during their enrollment at SMHS, vs. 96% in 2024 and 82% in 2023.
• 49% of 2025 SMHS graduates were CTE concentrators, taking at least two courses in a defined CTE pathway, vs. 42% in 2024 and 35% in 2023.
• 5.0% of SMHS students participated in work-based learning in 24/25, vs. 5.4% in 23/24 and 2.7% in 22/23. There are many programs available to students, including Youth Apprenticeships and school-based enterprises.
• 3.9% of the 2025 SMHS graduates participated in the Early College Credit program, vs. 4.2% in 2024 and 2.3% in 2023.
• 5.4% of the 2025 SMHS graduates participated in the Start College Now program, vs. 3.8% in 2024 and 5.0% in 2023.
• 178 students enrolled in Dual Credit courses at SMHS in the 24-25 academic year, earning 499 college credits, vs. 220 students who earned 588 credits in 23/24 and 233 students who earned 621 credits in 22-23. A decrease in the number of SMHS students and the loss of several CTE credentialed teachers were the reasons for this decrease.
• 13% of the 2025 SMHS graduates participated in at least one of the four Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO’s) during their high school enrollment. The CTSOs’ available to students include DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, and HOSA. This represents a decrease of 1.0% from the classes of 2024 and 2023.
• 208 IRC’s were earned by 203 seniors in the class of 2025, vs. 169 IRC’s by 236 seniors in the class of 2024 and 78 IRC’s by 220 seniors in the class of 2023.
• SMHS had over 40 unique business partners in the 24/25 school year. Our partnerships included participating in our work-based learning programs, providing tours and guest speakers, and donating to our various programs.

Many examples of student success stories occur from year-to-year, ranging from students who previously were chronic truants who then found an interest area through participation in Career and Technical Education programs inspiring them to become regular school attenders, to our growing Youth Apprenticeship program. In these cases, and many others, students found success through participation in our Academic and Career Planning activities and programs. A few other examples are as follows:

• During the 24-25 school year, we hosted our first annual fall career fair held during the school day so all of our high school students were able to participate
• Participation in MATC’s Heavy Metal Tour during manufacturing month, an event that included many area businesses and leaders
• Attending a regional trades fair where students were able to experience a number of trades while participating in hands-on activities
• Participation in a regional trades hiring event where over 70 businesses and trades groups spoke with students about career opportunities
• Guest speakers coming to our schools to lead discussions on various career opportunities 

Beyond this platform, the School District of South Milwaukee also sponsored its second annual K-12 STEAM Night to highlight pathways and career opportunities to our students, families, and the community at-large. Some highlights of this event included robotics demonstrations, MATC’s Mobile STEM Lab, our marketing students helping elementary students create silk screened t-shirts, FIRST Lego League demonstrations, and highlighting items purchased with our recent award of two $10,000 grants from the PPG Foundation through the AdoptAClassroom organization.

This event, and many others, can be seen and heard on our CTE website, on our SDSM Facebook page, and in our #SMWay Podcast series.

The School District of South Milwaukee strategically uses Labor Market Information (LMI) to directly align its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs with the current and future needs of the regional economy, creating clear, high-value employment pathways for students.

The district uses LMI, including job growth projections, required skill sets, and wage potential, to refine its course offerings. This data, combined with local employer input, guides critical decisions:

• Curriculum and Credential Focus: LMI highlights high-demand sectors, essential industry-recognized credentials, and specific skills, ensuring programs are designed to prepare students to successfully earn high-value certifications and immediately be more marketable.
• Equipment Investment: LMI and employer feedback determine the necessary equipment and technology for labs (e.g., manufacturing and nursing), ensuring students train on current industry-standard tools whenever possible.

LMI is integrated into academic counseling to help students make informed educational and career choices:

• Data-Informed Advising: Counselors use LMI to provide students with realistic data on career fields, including wages and projected job openings. This allows students to align their interests with high-wage, high-skill, high-demand occupations.
• Work-Based Learning: The district leverages LMI to build partnerships and secure internship, job shadowing, and apprenticeship opportunities within high-growth industries, establishing a direct pipeline to local employers.
• Post-Secondary Planning: LMI data clarifies which post-high school programs offer the most direct and efficient path to required education. This guidance helps students select programs with the best Return on Investment (ROI), minimizing unaligned education and unnecessary debt.

The most recent Milwaukee County Profile from the Department of Workforce Development that summarizes the LMI data that guides our work can be found here.

South Milwaukee High School prepares students for postsecondary education and various postsecondary pathways through a range of academic and extracurricular programs aimed at developing well-rounded individuals. Here are some of the ways in which this is carried out.

• Student Services: SMHS provides comprehensive counseling services to help students explore various postsecondary options, including colleges, universities, vocational programs, military opportunities, and apprenticeships. Counselors assist with college applications, financial aid, scholarships, and career planning.

• College Preparatory Courses: SMHS offers a diverse array of Advanced Placement (AP) (see page 10) to challenge and prepare students for the rigors of college-level coursework.
• Dual Credit/Transcripted Credit Programs: South Milwaukee High School has partnerships with Milwaukee Area Technical College and Gateway Technical College to offer dual credit in over 10 courses (see page 11), allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school, reducing the time and cost of obtaining a postsecondary degree.
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs: SMHS offers CTE programs in fields such as business, information technology, marketing, culinary arts, education, health sciences, advanced manufacturing, construction, and engineering, providing students with practical skills and certifications that can lead directly to employment or serve as a foundation for further education.
• Work-Based Learning Opportunities: SMHS facilitates internships, job shadowing experiences, co-op programs, and Youth Apprenticeships in partnership with local businesses, allowing students to gain real-world experience and explore potential career paths.
• Extracurricular Activities: Participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, volunteer work, and leadership roles can help students develop valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, and problem-solving, which are essential for success in any postsecondary pathway.
• College and Career Readiness Classes and Workshops: All SMHS students take a half credit course called “Planning Your Future” (see page 21) that focuses on topics such as Labor Market Information, financial literacy, resume writing, interview skills, and exploring career pathways to help students make informed decisions about their futures. Furthermore, the School Counselors and Work-Based Learning Coordinator organize workshops, seminars, and guest speaker events focused on post high school options, financial aid, and personal financial literacy.
• Support for Diverse Learners: SMHS provides support services for students with diverse learning needs, including those with disabilities, English language learners, and gifted students, ensuring that all students have access to the resources and accommodations they need to succeed in their chosen postsecondary pathways.

Regional Career Pathways: SMHS is approved to offer nine of the eleven approved Milwaukee 7 RCP’s, including Advanced Manufacturing, Architecture and Construction, Business Administration, Direct Patient Care, Education and Training, Energy, Hospitality, Culinary & Tourism, Information Technology, and Non-Direct Patient Care. The only RCP’s not presently offered are Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources, and Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics. Links to the 9 approved pathways can be found here.

The School District of South Milwaukee is committed to supporting our entire staff to become engaged in the career readiness process. Staff are surveyed annually to identify areas in which they would like additional ACP support. Professional development is provided through multiple modalities, included 1:1 and consultation with departments. Topics will include; using Xello, career pathways, applying for college, FAFSA and more.

We provide the following professional development to staff:

• Train all teachers beginning of the year days on how to use Xello and Inspire Wisconsin
• Personalized professional development for staff differentiated by needs 

• Partnering with staff who are already utilizing parts of Xello, and engaging staff who are using other tools to build common understanding throughout the building.

• Retrain during staff meetings or professional learning days
• New Teachers: Training for new staff during mentor trainings and new teacher days

The School District of South Milwaukee engages families and caregivers in academic and career planning by:

• Regularly informing families and caregivers about career readiness activities.
  • Information will be posted on the student services section of the High School website
  • Information will be included in the district and school newsletters.
• Providing multiple ways for families and caregivers to participate in career readiness activities.
  • Families and caregivers will be invited to participate in the district’s K-12 STEAM night.
  • Families and caregivers will have the opportunity to attend evening presentations at the high school which focus on College Planning, Apprenticeships, Financial Aid, and Military opportunities. Representatives from these areas will share their expertise. These evenings are open to all age levels.
  • Families are invited to attend an 8th grade parent/guardian night, where they are provided information on courses and career pathways at the high school.
• Regularly informing families and caregivers about the progress of their student’s academic and career planning. 
  • Families and caregivers will be given access to their student’s Xello accounts beginning the 2025/26 school year.
  • Families and caregivers will be invited to participate in their student’s academic and career planning meeting.
  • Families and caregivers are able to access Infinite Campus to partner with their student on course selection and assist in creating a 4-year plan.
• Actively seeking feedback from students, families, and caregivers when regularly evaluating our career readiness activities, programs, and initiatives.
  • Students and caregivers are given a feedback form after the student’s Academic and Career planning meeting. 

The School District of South Milwaukee is proud to collaborate with over 40 business and community partners, actively engaging with them to implement its Education for Employment/ACP program. This is achieved through a multi-faceted approach:

Partnership and Collaboration: The district fosters partnerships and collaborations with community, industry, and higher education partners. This includes active participation in organizations such as the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) advisory committees, our local Technology and Engineering Department Advisory Committee, and the South Shore Suburban Consortium. These partnerships allow the district to stay informed about evolving workforce needs through regular evaluations of career readiness activities, programs, and initiatives with input from stakeholders. Feedback obtained from advisory committees, industry partners, and the biannual Comprehensive Local Needs Assessments completed for the Federal Perkins Grant guides the district in shaping its offerings to meet the demands of the local workforce.

Grade Level Appropriate Career Readiness Activities and Career-based Learning Experiences

• K-5: Career Readiness Activities  
  • Elementary is using activities to learn and discuss learning styles, skills and interests,       career interests, and goal setting. We are also looking at updating the activities and materials we currently have for the future of our career lessons. 

• 6-8: Career Readiness Activities
  • Consultation with School Counselors regarding transition to High School and course selection.

• 9-12: Career Readiness Activities
  • Students will create a 4 year plan in alignment with their career pathway interests. 
  • Xello lessons plans will be delivered in the classroom covering the topics below by grade level:
    • 9th grade lessons will cover Personalities, Exploring Career Factors, Getting Experience & Study Skills & Habits.
    • 10th grade lessons will cover Work Values, Career and Lifestyle Costs, Workplace Skills and attitudes, & Program Prospects
    • 11th grade lessons will cover Choosing a College, Career Demand, Entrepreneurial Skills, and Work/Life Balance
    • 12th grade lessons will cover Career Backup Plans, Job Interviews, Defining Success & Career Path Choices.

ACP/School Counseling Services

• Counselors rotate attending the Wisconsin School Counseling Association (WSCA) conference annually. The WSCA conference provides school counselors updates and strategies on how to best support academic and career planning. 
• Counselors attend annual updates at local universities and technical colleges where counselors are provided updates and new programming offered at the college level. Counselors are able to bring that information back to our school and provide students and staff relative information about college admissions. 
• Counselors participate in field trips throughout the year to local colleges and employers. 

Whole School Support/Formal ACP Process

• Students participate in regular career conversations to discuss their career interests, academic goals, and postsecondary plans with an adult.
• Teachers in all subject areas help students in their classes understand how the content they are learning connects with various careers and career readiness skills.
• Counselors will use a formal “advisory” period to connect students to educators for career conversations, portfolio presentations to parents/staff.

• Students will work with counselors to develop 4-year plans for high school course work so that they are aware of opportunities.
• Students will use Xello to complete career interest inventories annually and results will be stored.
• Students will complete additional ACP lessons in Xello quarterly. 
• Students will engage in group and individual conferences with their personal counselor.
• Students in 11th grade will take the Financing Your Future course which dives further into potential careers and post-secondary plans.
• At school college visits - representatives of colleges and universities come to school to present to groups of interested students 
• College tours - take buses of students to local colleges (public, private, and technical)
• The ACP plan will be reviewed annually as part of our Strategic Plan. 

South Milwaukee supports all students in academic and career exploration and planning. Students with disabilities participate in ACP activities and instruction, and engage in transition planning. The case manager works closely with student, staff, and IEP teams to plan for post-secondary transitions. Part of this work includes connecting families with Division of Vocational Rehabilitation representatives (DVR). DVR assists in providing work placements, vocational assessment, assistive technology assessments, transportation, and financial support for post-secondary options. Case managers are crucial for supporting students in terms of ACP planning and help to assure that all students who receive special education support are aware of the opportunities their students are taking part in that can influence the post-secondary transition plans aligned and supported by the IEP. Students with special needs are offered opportunities for individual career exploration and job development. South Milwaukee has on site career development programs for students with disabilities. A few examples of specific experiences available to students include:

• Rocker Roasters - Students take coffee orders weekly. They make coffees and deliver to staff.
• Popcorn Sales - Students make popcorn and sell to students and staff every Thursday during lunch.
• Various cleaning/organization tasks.

The team completed a district assessment profile for the high school to assess the current progress and needs. We were able to identify several key activities that take place in courses throughout the high school. This includes college visits in “Planning your Future”, UW-Milwaukee’s Health Science days, partnerships throughout Youth Apprenticeship programs and a variety of guest speakers throughout the building.

Our student services team meets each year with each student for an ACP planning meeting. These meetings serve as a time for students to discuss career goals with each student. Student Services has also been working to connect with families through financial aid nights.

After completion of the DPI lead district assessment the following goals were identified:

• Create an ACP Graduate Profile
• Improve ACP/Career Readiness Professional Development for all staff in our district
• Improve family engagement in our district's ACP/Career Readiness process