1. Evaluate

ICAN reviews the district’s current plan and supporting information. A customized survey may be used to gather input from staff and identify needs, perceptions, strengths, and barriers.

2. Identify Priorities

The district team examines its current approach, discusses areas of need, and identifies priorities for strengthening career and academic planning.

3. Establish Goals and Measures

ICAN facilitates activities to help the team establish goals, determine indicators of progress, and identify meaningful measures of implementation and student impact.

4. Develop the Plan

The team works through relevant DCAP components and begins building or revising the district plan, including responsibilities, timelines, communication, and implementation strategies.

5. Prepare for Implementation

ICAN helps the district identify next steps, potential barriers, staff training needs, and strategies for building shared ownership of the plan.

A Collaborative District Experience

DCAP consulting is designed as a facilitated working process rather than a presentation or general training. District team members will actively:

Reflect on current practices
Discuss student and staff needs
Review district information and data
Make decisions about goals and priorities
Define roles and responsibilities
Develop or revise plan components
Identify practical next steps

Cross-functional district participation is encouraged. Teams may include administrators, counselors, teachers, career advisors, work-based learning coordinators, CTE staff, instructional leaders, and other individuals who contribute to student career and academic development.

Consulting Resources

ICAN provides tools and templates to support reflection, planning, and implementation. Resources may include:

Goal-setting and team-building tools
DCAP component resource library
Scope and sequence planning templates
Data-use and interpretation support
Community partner identification tools
Communications planning resources
Implementation barrier analysis
Plan development and summary templates

Resources will be selected based on the district’s consulting goals and areas of need.

Partnership and Networking Support

ICAN can help districts identify and engage partners who strengthen student career and postsecondary experiences. Quarterly networking opportunities may bring districts together with stakeholder groups such as:

Employers and business leaders
Economic development and workforce professionals
Colleges, universities, and training providers
Union and Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee representatives
Community organizations and other regional partners

These connections can help districts expand opportunities, identify resources, and align student experiences with education, training, and workforce needs.

Who Is Consulting For?

DCAP consulting is designed for districts that:

Need to develop a new DCAP
Want an external review of an existing plan
Need help strengthening specific components
Want to improve connections between DCAP and student ICAPs
Need stronger grade-level coordination or sequencing
Want to engage a broader district team
Need support establishing goals or measures
Are preparing to implement, revise, or communicate their plan