Most professional development (PD) feels like another box to check. Sit-and-get. Slides, acronyms, maybe a survey at the end. And when it comes to college and career readiness (CCR), many teachers(and other school staff) are either overwhelmed, undertrained, or unsure where they fit in. How many times have you heard “That’s not my job.” Here’s…
Here’s a simple truth: when students own their learning and future planning, they stay engaged—and outcomes improve. But that kind of ownership doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a clear, tiered framework that meets students where they are and helps them move forward with confidence. Here is an example of how to build a tiered…
Let’s be honest: transition planning for students with disabilities can sometimes feel like checking a compliance box. Every IEP includes it. Every team discusses it. But does it always lead to meaningful, future-ready outcomes? The truth is, many students with disabilities still leave high school without a clear, supported path to college, career, or independent…
School and district leaders today are navigating a constant state of change—shifting graduation requirements, evolving labor market demands, and unpredictable after-high school program admissions criteria. It’s no longer enough to have a strong plan; you need a system that can flex, adapt, and grow with you. But too often, school improvement efforts stall because data…
Every student’s college goals are anchored to their future career. The purpose of college is to lead to a career that aligns with a student’s values and priorities. Yet, in secondary education, career readiness is often treated as secondary to college preparation. Student survey data overwhelmingly shows that students want to understand why they should…
What data should you focus on to see rea l college success outcomes for your students?
Let’s be real—preparing students for life after high school isn’t just about checking the right boxes. The world of work is evolving fast, and today’s students need more than a diploma to succeed. That’s where a Comprehensive School Counseling Program (CSCP) comes in, specifically the career domain—helping students figure out what’s next and actually be…
In today’s rapidly evolving world, providing students with the tools for career readiness is more crucial than ever. At Next Step Educational Consulting, we believe that every student deserves access to the opportunities that will pave their way to success, and we want to share insights that can help you transform your school into a…
Do you wonder why your students still aren’t accessing advanced courses? As an educational leader, you know that effective master scheduling is pivotal to student success. However, many scheduling practices lack the data-driven insights needed to optimize learning experiences and resources. Here are three steps that provides a roadmap to revolutionize your school’s master schedule…