PLP Introduction:
Vermont schools are creating expanded learning opportunities for students, managed through Personalized Learning Plans that document student interests, aspirations and growth. While the expansion of programs is mandated by Vermont law (Act 77), Lake Region has taken this mandate seriously and worked hard to make the PLP process meaningful for all students. The goal of the PLP process is to facilitate student exploration, reflection, development and achievement.

Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs) and Act 77:
Personalized Learning Plans are part of the Flexible Pathways Initiative in Vermont's Act 77. As defined by the State of Vermont, "Personalized Learning Plan and PLP mean documentation of an evolving plan developed on behalf of a student..." The plan, as defined by the law, "shall reflect the student's emerging abilities, aptitude, and disposition. The plan shall define the scope and rigor or academic and experiential opportunities necessary for a secondary student to complete secondary school successfully, attain postsecondary readiness, and be prepared to engage actively in civic life." The legislation known as Act 77 requires Vermont schools to develop Personalized Learning Plans with all students in grades 7-12 and to document student success in meeting the objectives as described in this law.

Personalized Learning Plans at Lake Region:
At Lake Region, students draft these plans with their advisors, who guide students through the reflection process. We hope to empower students to follow their interests and create their own learning opportunities as they meet the graduation requirements and prepare for life after high school. Our mission is help students learn to set goals and reflect on their learning while making choices based on their plans for the future.

Opportunities for Personalized Learning:
Lake Region currently offers students several opportunities to personalize their learning.

Thoughtful Course Selection:
Lake Region offers a wide variety of classes from which to choose, and careful course selection allows some personalization of learning for all students, who have access to a real range of course offerings in every department and to a rich elective program. Students choose classes in consultation with their teachers, advisors and Guidance personnel, all of whom are well versed in current course offerings and other options and prepared, therefore, to support students in thoughtful consideration of their choices. Careful review of the Program of Studies will also help students find those courses that appeal to their interests and provide them with new challenges. The complete Program of Studies is available here

Dual Enrollment Programs:

Dual Enrollment Programs offer tuition-free college opportunities for Vermont high school students. The goal is to increase student participation in college by helping students to earn college credits while still in high school, thus decreasing the cost of college.

Students may take advantage of the following opportunities:

• Introduction to College Studies: This is a free course for high school students offered by the Vermont State Colleges and the Community College of Vermont. The goal is to help students develop strategies for college success.

• Dual Enrollment Vouchers: Dual Enrollment Vouchers allow Vermont students to take two college courses at Vermont colleges and universities tuition-free. This opportunity is available to high school juniors and seniors.

• Early College: Early College is an alternative to the senior year of high school for students who will complete their remaining high school graduation requirements and who have identified college programs that align with their interests. Students take college courses, completing their senior year of high school and their freshman year of college simultaneously tuition free. Programs are available at Vermont State Colleges, including CCV, and the Vermont Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) at Vermont Technical College.

Students who are interested in pursuing Dual Enrollment options should contact Timothy Chamberlin, Director of Guidance, at 754-6522 ext. 315 or at

North County Career Center

North Country Career Center is the regional Tech Center. Lake Region students have access to its programs in the 11th and 12th grades. Students who enroll in a program spend part of their day at Lake Region and part of their day at the Career Center.

There are several programs offered at the Career Center:  Link to NCCC program videos

Many Career Center programs offer students opportunities to earn industry certifications. Some Career Center programs also allow for college credit at Vermont Technical College or the Community College of Vermont through Vermont’s Fast Forward program.

For more information about classes at the North Country Career Center or to learn how Lake Region students participate in these opportunities, please contact Timothy Chamberlin, Director of Guidance, at 754-6522 ext. 315 or Email Timothy Chamberlin.

Through VTVLC, students can take online courses in all the academic disciplines. VTVLC's goal is to make it easier for students to take the classes they need or want by addressing common barriers to enrollment. VTVLC offers courses, for instance, that some schools do not provide (Marine Science, German, Programming with Python). VTVLC classes may also be helpful to students who cannot access classes they need or want because of schedule conflicts. VTVLC offers both introductory classes and Advanced Placement classes, including some AP courses that Lake Region does not currently offer (AP Art History and AP Environmental Science). Classes are taught by licensed Vermont teachers. Lake Region students may take VTVLC classes at no cost. For more information about courses offered through VTVLC, please contact Timothy Chamberlin, Director of Guidance, at 754-6522 ext. 315 or at Email Timothy Chamberlin.

Career Shadowing:

Career shadowing opportunities allow students to observe professionals in career fields they may be interested in pursuing after high school. The goal is to provide students with opportunities to explore possible careers. Career Shadowing does not include hands-on work on site. Students may choose to observe multiple professionals at work in a variety of career fields if they are just beginning to explore career paths. Students document their observations by logging time spent observing and by keeping journals in which they reflect on their experience. Final reflection essays and presentations are required.

Site placement arrangements are coordinated by the Director of Counseling Services. Contact Timothy Chamberlin at Email Timothy Chamberlin for more information or call the Guidance Office at 754-6522 ext. 315.

Community Internship Opportunities:

Community internship opportunities allow students to take shadowing beyond short-term observation(s). Students who pursue Internship opportunities commit to long-term progressive learning experiences on site and may perform limited hands-on work. The goal is to allow those students who have specific career goals to learn from professionals and to expand their knowledge in their chosen fields. Students design individual Internship programs with the Director of Counseling Services. They document their learning by logging time spent on site and by keeping detailed journals. Final reflection essays and presentations are required as well.

Timothy Chamberlin, Director of Guidance, arranges for Internship placements and coordinates student contact with site placements. Contact Timothy Chamberlin at Email Timothy Chamberlin for more information or call the Guidance Office at 754-6522 ext. 315.

Students who cannot find classes that align with their interests and ambitions may design their own classes. Students then work with mentors, within the classroom or outside of it, to chase after answers to their own questions and/or to explore plans for life after high school. In order to create ILOs for themselves, students must first apply for this opportunity, proving that they can meet Lake Region's Learning Expectations, as described in the LRfolio. Students who wish to pursue this option should contact Timothy Chamberlin, Director of Guidance, with their proposals.