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Educational Support » Teaching & Learning » College and Career Readiness (PaCE Framework)

College and Career Readiness (PaCE Framework)

📘 What is the Illinois PaCE Framework?

The Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) Framework, required by the state of Illinois, outlines key activities and milestones students in grades 6–12 should complete to be prepared for success after high school. These expectations are designed to ensure that all students have opportunities to explore careers, plan academic pathways, and develop essential financial and life skills.

 

🔹 Grades K-5 PaCE-Aligned Focus Areas: 

    • Self-Awareness and Strengths

      • Identify personal interests, likes, and dislikes

      • Recognize individual strengths and talents

    • Career Awareness

      • Explore community helpers and a variety of jobs

      • Learn about workplace tools, uniforms, and environments

      • Participate in career day or guest speaker events

    • Learning About School and Goal-Setting

      • Understand why we go to school and how learning connects to the future

      • Set simple academic or behavioral goals

    • Developing Soft Skills

      • Practice teamwork, communication, and problem-solving

      • Build responsibility, time management, and organization skills

    • Early Financial Literacy

      • Basic needs vs. wants

      • Introduction to saving, spending, and making choices

    • Academic Identity

      • Celebrate a growth mindset and perseverance

      • Recognize different types of learning and success

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🔷 Grades 6-8 PaCE Focus Areas: 

  • Career Exploration

    • Complete interest and skills inventories 

    • Research careers that align with personal interests and strengths

    • Participate in job shadowing, career fairs, or inquiry projects aligned to different career pathways

  • Academic Planning

    • Understand the relationship between current academics and future options

    • Explore course offerings and pathways for high school

  • Postsecondary Awareness

    • Learn the differences between college, trade school, military, and workforce

    • Understand basic terminology: transcript, diploma vs. certificate, honors courses, etc

    • Identify potential high school activities that align with future goals

  • Financial Literacy Foundations

    • Explore how education affects income and lifestyle

    • Introduction to budgeting, saving, and paying for college (scholarships, FAFSA basics)

  • Soft Skills Development

    • Strengthen time management, study habits, and self-advocacy

    • Practice communication, collaboration, and decision-making

  • Self-Discovery and Goal Setting

    • Reassess personal interests and adjust goals accordingly

    • Set academic and personal growth goals for high school readiness

 
Here is the District 95 3-Year Alignment Plan, but please look for updates as we work through the process of aligning to the PaCE Framework provided by the state of Illinois.