At the Oct. 8 Lisbon School Board meeting, district leaders reviewed updates to this year’s District Career and Academic Plan (DCAP) — the district’s yearly roadmap for helping students explore postsecondary and career opportunities.
The updated plan, submitted to the state on Sept. 26, outlines how Lisbon fulfills Iowa’s Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) requirements. Currently focused on students in grades eight through 12, the district plans to expand the process to include seventh graders next year.
“This is just something that we’re required to renew each year,” said Lisbon Secondary Principal Jack Leighty. “The goal with this every year is just to improve your DCAP a little bit more.”
The DCAP team includes members from the career and technical education (CTE) department, the work-based learning coordinator, and school counselors. Each year they meet with Grant Wood Area Education Agency (AEA) representatives to review progress and set new goals for student career exploration.
A major component of the plan involves the four-year academic roadmaps students create using Zello, an online platform that helps them identify career interests and plan their high school coursework accordingly. Parents are also required to review and approve these plans.
Work-based learning remains a growing focus for the district. The board heard updates about events such as career and college fairs at Kirkwood Community College and efforts to increase hands-on experiences for students. Staff also continue to support families through Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) nights and other college-readiness initiatives.
This school year, Lisbon introduced a new schedule to make DCAP implementation more consistent. Instead of rushing to meet requirements in the spring, teachers now dedicate time every non–early-out Wednesday to activities that align with ICAP goals.
“We’re really excited about this piece,” Leighty said. “It gives us a better plan for the school year and makes the process more meaningful than it’s been in the past.”
District officials emphasized that the DCAP is an evolving program — one that continues to strengthen each year to better prepare students for life after graduation.