In 2013, Act 77 was passed by the Vermont State Legislature as a means to ensure that Vermont schools continued their reform efforts to meet the needs of all children to complete their secondary education. Often the term Flexible Pathways is used to describe the overall intent of this legislation.  Flexible Pathways are described as the options open to all Vermont students to personally construct their high school experience. These pathways can take the form of, but are not limited to: personalized learning plans (PLPs), integrated academies, work-based learning, career and technical education, virtual/blended learning, dual enrollment, and early college. Planning for accessing these options should be done within a student's PLP.

In the Essex Westford School District, Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs) serve to give students ownership over their learning and create a personalized pathway to their future.   In the Essex Westford School District, we believe that each of our learners is unique and brings multiple interests, talents, and skills to the table. Act 77, through the use of PLPs, sets forth the mechanism to allow these interests to become part of each student’s learning pathway. This process involves self-assessment by the student to set and achieve a student-designed plan based on personal, academic, and/or career interests.  Opportunities for reflection will exist throughout.

Students will set and reflect upon short and long-term plans for academic, personal, and career goals in an effort to choose and design an appropriate pathway to graduation.

Please contact your child's principal for more specific information about personalized learning plans. The principal will be able to share how these are being implemented at your child’s school.