Strategic Plan Goal 5 in Action - Leading for Tomorrow's Innovation

Articles and videos that offer a look into how Goal 5 is being put into practice

In FCPS, we understand that we must prepare our students for careers and civic life in a rapidly changing workforce and society. Research shows that 65% of our K-12 students in the United States are preparing for careers that do not yet exist. Our vision is outlined in Goal 5 of the Strategic Plan: "Every student will graduate ready to thrive in life after high school and with the skills to navigate, adapt, and innovate for a sustainable future."

This webpage features a collection of articles and videos that offer a look into how Goal 5 of our strategic plan—Leading for Tomorrow's Innovation—is being actively put into practice. Through these stories, you'll discover the inspiring initiatives, dedicated educators, and engaged students who are turning this vision into a reality.

Videos Showing Goal 5 in Action

Exploring Career and Preparing for College

Learn from students how Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses and Academies are helping them explore and prepare for careers while still in high school. Courses in such areas as medical sciences, family sciences, business, technology, and engineering are available. Learn more.

Student Overcomes Obstacles With Support from FCPS

In May 2023, James Wrobeh received his diploma from Virginia State University (VSU. Wrobeh wanted Bryant High School Principal Karen Hertel and Chief Equity Officer Nardos King to be involved in his pinning because “without them, going to college was not going to be possible,” he said. Read story.

Articles Showing Goal 5 in Action

Learning Life Skills On the Job

Students gain skills through supervised internships at local businesses as part of the internship program offered at Cedar Lane School, which provides smaller class settings for students who require additional support. Read story.

Thinking Like A Computer

In an elective course in artificial intelligence (AI) at one high school, students learn how to write AI programs that can be used to simplify life. One idea seeks to maximize instructional time by having a camera take attendance by recognizing images of student faces instead of a teacher manually going through the class roster each day. Read story.

Teen Mom Is First in Family to Graduate

A Fairfax County Public Schools program known as Project Opportunity helps keep expectant and new parents on track to getting their high school diplomas. Learn about a 16-year-old Bryant High School senior who received her high school diploma in 2023, a year ahead of schedule and with her 20-month-old daughter in her arms. Read story.

Goal #5 Description - Leading for Tomorrow's Innovation

Goal 5 states "Every student will graduate ready to thrive in life after high school and with the skills to navigate, adapt, and innovate for a sustainable future."

Goal 5 is the final goal of the strategic plan. The five goals are designed to drive positive change throughout our district. These goals indicate where we should focus our attention and help us align our efforts. Each goal includes an equity commitment and a set of measures that will be used to evaluate success.

Equity Commitment

We will center student voice data and use evidence to ensure each student is ready to make informed decisions, prepared for a wide range of postsecondary options, and can successfully navigate their future path.

Measures

A. Availability of, accessibility to, and participation in multiple pathways and work-based learning opportunities (e.g., shadowing; internship; apprenticeship; and Career and Technical Education)

B. Attainment of FCPS Portrait of a Graduate competencies and digital and financial literacy

C. Supported and successful transitions leading to high school graduation and postsecondary opportunities

D. Students on track for graduation at the end of 9th Grade

E. Increase in the percentage of students earning an advanced studies diploma

F. Reduction of the percentage of students earning an applied studies diploma

G. Enrollment in college, entry into the workforce or public service, enlistment in military, or other, verifiable post-secondary plan

H. Students innovating and preparing for the future