This is a transition year for Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).

The new ILP is in response to Kentucky’s use of Career Cruising as a state since 2006. The Kentucky Department of Education often received feedback that the ILP had become much more of a compliance piece versus an engaging way for children to self-discover and think/plan for their futures. 

The new ILP gives school districts more autonomy over the development and use of the plans. Schools and districts will have the flexibility to create an innovative program that engages and excites students. You can use this process to help reach students at a much deeper level. 

Many districts have begun the work of innovating and creating an ILP that is specific to their populations.  Other districts have chosen to work with a vendor in order to accomplish the goals of the ILP with students.

Keep these things in mind while your district is developing its new ILP process: 84 percent of Kentucky employers today can’t find qualified workers and Kentucky ranks 40th among states in terms of workforce participation. According to a 2018 Gallup survey, more than half of Americans would change at least one of their education decisions if they had to do it over again, with 36 percent saying they would choose a different major, 28 percent saying they would choose a different institution and 12 percent saying they would pursue a different degree.

The KDE will release a framework for schools to self-score on their ILP.  While the idea is to get away from compliance, the ILP is deeply woven throughout the proposal for new graduation requirements.  There also are components that must be in the ILP, such as: Extended School Services, early graduation, a plan to evaluate the process and make it available to students, parents/guardians and faculty; ensuring the ILP is tied to the student’s schedule, financial literacy, and exploration of apprenticeship programs and trade schools.

The ILP has the potential to change to positively affect your students, their futures and your school culture.