We expect every Academic and Career Plan to be as unique as each of our students.

For example:

• Students passionate about pursuing a specific career can pursue opportunities aligned to a single Program of Study.
• Students can choose to blend portions of one Program of Study with another based on their skills and interest.
• Students who are unsure of their long-term career interests can explore opportunities in many different Programs of Study that will help them better understand themselves and the skills and knowledge needed for different careers.
• Students may also choose a liberal arts approach to their education by focusing on the course sequences in each of the core subject areas along with coursework in the humanities, fine arts, and world languages. This approach defers certain aspects of career exploration to a student’s post-secondary education.

All students are advised to select opportunities for rigor (college level coursework in academic and/or technical subjects) in their areas of strength and/or interest to ensure that they continue to develop their knowledge, skills, and dispositions for success each year.

The School District of Marshfield has listed specific courses in each of the Programs of Study to assist students in the process of course selection. The courses offered are subject to change at any time.

Courses listed in each cluster provide exposure, and help students build skills related to, the careers in that cluster. Recommendations for related post-secondary coursework have also been provided for those ready for the added challenge.

Please note that the courses listed are broad recommendations only and are not intended to direct students away from other areas of interest. All courses are designed to teach valuable knowledge and skills. The courses that are listed are examples of courses that support a given Program of Study. The courses selected depends on the goals and action plans set by each student.

For example, included is some AP coursework in each of the Programs of Study. Demonstrating success in college level coursework is one way to evaluate college readiness. However, the coursework chosen depends, in part, on what the student wants to learn about and the education level they plan to pursue after high school.

Please refer to the reflective question found earlier in this guide, as well as, the example “Pathways within this Cluster” in each Program of Study (linked below or found on the high school’s webpage) to assist you in this process. School counselors can assist in selecting courses that will help students achieve personal, academic, social and career goals.

Deciding on a career pathway can help you prepare for your future.

The intent is not for you to decide on a specific occupation for the rest of your life, but to select a career pathway into which you can begin directing your energies.

Identifying a career pathway can help you in selecting school courses, activities, and part-time employment. When you decide on a career pathway, you should discuss it with your counselor.

A career pathway choice is not a permanent commitment, but rather a way to focus your career development. Career pathways are for ALL students!

The 16 Career Clusters provide a context for learning the skills specific to a career and provide a structure for organizing curriculum offerings and focusing coursework with a common theme such as an interest.

The 79 Career Pathways breakdown the 16 Career Clusters into career groupings with shared knowledge, skills, and dispositions required to be successful in careers within the pathway. They are the core of workforce and economic development in Wisconsin. 

Visit the Department of Workforce Development Wisconsin Career Pathways interactive website today. It will be worth the click!  

One of the many goals of education is to prepare students to be college and career ready. A strong academic and Career and Technical foundation and preparation for career opportunities are important educational components for Wisconsin students.

Students can benefit from participation in educational programs which provide a career-based experience and a more deliberate selection of course work based on potential career interests. Students seek a clear connection between their future career(s) and their class work.

The opportunity to explore and experience the world-of-work is beneficial to career decision-making. Interning at a workplace provides a firsthand look at

• what skills are needed
• how knowledge learned in school is put into action in the workplace 
• informs the student about career choice.

Career-based learning is the key to a successful 21st century.

Career-based Learning Opportunities 

Every year, high school students in central Wisconsin earn college credits before they graduate high school. Dual enrollment and other opportunities for high school students provide a head start on college and a chance to explore careers committing to one option.

Depending on the partner institutions, credits earned may be entirely free of charge and—in some cases—may even transfer to other Wisconsin technical colleges or four-year universities.

For more information regarding SCN and ECCP eligibility and legislative guidance, please click here 

For more information about Duel Credit, Advanced Placement, Start College Now, or Early College Credit Program, please contact your school counselor.