Helping students with ‘what’s next’
Every student has big dreams, and every educator wants to see these dreams reached. That’s what we work toward every day.
The High School and Beyond Plan is a process that every Washington student uses to explore potential career interests, take relevant courses, learn about financial aid, and plan for postsecondary education or training. It also keeps students on track for graduation. The Plan is designed to be flexible so it can grow and change along with students as they move through middle and high school. School districts choose how students experience the Plan and track their progress.
You can use your students’ Plans to understand their interests. Ideally, with students’ personalized contexts in mind, you’ll be able to engage them more deeply with what they are learning in class and help them picture how it applies to their future. We want to equip you with information about the Plan process so that you can put it to work with your students. Keep scrolling to learn more.
High School and Beyond Plan Requirements
- Start the Plan by 8th grade (include advanced coursework if students meet or exceed state standards in English and/or math)
- Identify possible career goals based on their interests
- Identify educational goals
- Create a high school course plan that aligns to students’ interests and meets graduation requirements
- Receive information about financial aid, including the FAFSA/WASFA
- Create an activity log or resume to use in applications
Students’ Plans can be a useful starting point for deeper conversations about their goals and aspirations.
How can teachers support students?
- Talk with students about their goals and interests
- Use lessons to connect students to related career ideas
- Direct students to talk with school counselors and career specialists for more information about course planning and post-high school education opportunities
- Encourage students to explore their interests and strengths by…
- taking relevant classes
- pursuing student leadership
- exploring community service opportunities
- participating in job shadows and internships
- Know your district’s requirements for the High School and Beyond Plan process and the role you play in supporting students. Talk with your school counselors and career specialists for more information.
Learn how one teacher uses the HSBP in her classroom
Learn how Hillary Hull, a CTE high school teacher in Yelm, WA, uses the High School and Beyond Plan to support students. Hull explains how the Plan helps her students explore career pathways, take relevant classes, pursue internships, and seek advice from faculty members. She also discusses how she ties learning activities and instruction into employable skills, career relevance, and tangible experiences.