Individual Plan of Study (IPS)
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) supports Individual Plans of Study (IPS) to help Kansas students and their families plan for success after high school. An IPS is a personalized, student-driven process that begins in middle school and guides course choices, career exploration and postsecondary planning through graduation. This page provides clear information and resources to help students identify their strengths and interests, explore career pathways and build a plan that connects education to future opportunities. Whether your student is considering college, technical training, the military or entering the workforce, IPS helps ensure they have a thoughtful, flexible plan to reach their goals.
The IPS process involves the development of a flexible career focus and an education plan that is clearly defined to ensure a successful, efficient transition to postsecondary education and/or the workforce. An IPS requires four minimum components. First is series of strength finders and career-interest inventories to help students identify career cluster preferences. Second is an eighth- through 12th-grade course-builder function with course selections based on career interests. Third is a postsecondary plan (workforce, military, certification, two-year college, four-year college). Finally, it encompasses a student developing a portable electronic portfolio.
Resources
The following Career Technical Education (CTE) and Individual Plan of Study (IPS) resources are available from KSDE upon request. These documents support career awareness, exploration, planning, and postsecondary readiness.
- 2026–2027 KSDE Career Technical Education (CTE) Resource Guide (PDF): This guide provides information and tools to support Career Technical Education programs across Kansas, including planning, implementation, and alignment with state priorities. Document available upon request.
- Elementary Career Awareness Resource (PDF): This resource supports early career awareness by introducing elementary students to careers, interests, and skills in age-appropriate ways. Document available upon request.
- Individual Plan of Study Electronic Portfolio: Considerations for Measuring and Reflecting on Student Learning (PDF): This document provides guidance on using electronic portfolios within the Individual Plan of Study process to support reflection, documentation of learning, and goal setting. Document available upon request.
- Individual Plan of Study Scope and Sequence: Preschool Through Grade 12 (PDF): This scope and sequence outlines IPS learning expectations from preschool through grade 12, supporting consistent career development across grade levels. Document available upon request.
- Kansas Postsecondary Exploration Guide (PDF): This guide supports students in exploring postsecondary options, including education, training, and career pathways after high school. Document available upon request.
- Middle School Career Exploration Resource (PDF): This resource focuses on career exploration activities for middle school students, helping them identify interests, strengths, and potential career pathways. Document available upon request.
Education Sciences Resources
The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) provides research-based resources that support college and career readiness through planning, exploration, and goal setting. The resources below focus on how Individual Plans of Study (IPS) and related tools can help students plan for future education and career success.
- Individual Plans of Study and College and Career Readiness: This resource explains how Individual Plans of Study can support students’ college and career readiness and long-term success by aligning academic coursework with postsecondary goals.
- Career Exploration Activities: These activities support students in exploring career options, interests, and pathways. They are designed to help students make informed decisions about coursework and future learning opportunities.
- Supporting Electronic Portfolios and Goal Setting: This resource focuses on using electronic portfolios and education and career goal-setting within the context of Individual Plans of Study. It highlights strategies for documenting learning, reflecting on progress, and planning next steps.
- Education and Career Goal Setting: This guidance provides strategies for helping students set meaningful education and career goals. It supports intentional planning and student engagement throughout the learning process.
- Electronic Portfolios (E-Portfolios): This resource explores the use of e-portfolios as tools for organizing student work, tracking progress, and supporting career and postsecondary planning.
