Representatives from Wallenpaupack Area, Wayne Highlands, and Western Wayne school districts are collaborating to develop a comprehensive K-12 career framework.

This initiative will ensure that all students in grades K through 12 receive a rigorous and relevant education that prepares and enables them to lead successful lives. The framework will be developed around Pennsylvania’s 16 career clusters to give students a balanced mix of academic preparation, career knowledge, guidance, and the flexibility to plan studies in line with career goals and abilities.

According to Joann Hudak, Ed.D. director of Secondary Education for the Wallenpaupack Area School District, the middle and high schools will be using a powerful software tool called Career Cruising that allows every student to develop and maintain an electronic career portfolio containing records of a student’s academic achievements, interest inventories, assessments, skills, and exploration of career clusters.

The individualized portfolio supports accountability and makes learning relevant to high school students. Because each plan is individualized, the portfolio gives each student their personal guide to motivate learning, align postsecondary educational goals, and ultimately prepare for career success.

In addition to the electronic portfolio, the committee is also exploring programs to expose students to the current world of work through mentoring, shadowing, apprenticeships, service learning, and volunteer experiences.

Upon completion of the 7-12 framework, the committee will focus on career awareness and exploration programs for elementary age students.  

Career Cruising and the three-district career initiative are funded through Wall Street West grants.