MY PLAN
The Origins of MY PLAN
Vista Unified launched MY PLAN after adopting an A–G Aligned High School Graduation Policy beginning with the Class of 2029. This means all students will complete coursework aligned to California’s A-G requirements, while also meeting state graduation requirements. “A-G” is the minimum college entrance requirements for the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems. CLICK HERE to learn more about A-G.
That alignment matters because it keeps options open. College eligibility becomes within reach. Career pathways become visible. Doors stay open.
As we made this shift, we knew something else had to happen. If students are taking A-G aligned courses, they need to understand why those courses matter. High school cannot just be a checklist. It must be connected to the future.
That is how the Personal Learning Plan began as part of the new graduation requirements. Over time, it evolved into MY PLAN.
The Why Behind MY PLAN
A high school diploma is a student’s license to drive their own life. Until that moment, it is our responsibility to make sure every opportunity remains available.
MY PLAN helps students confidently design a post-secondary path that leads to a living wage and a fulfilling life in our community.
This is the Pulse of Possibility in action. We believe every student has strengths. Every student has interests. Every student has a future worth building.
MY PLAN uses career-connected language to help students understand who they are and where they might thrive. Through research-based tools like RIASEC, students explore their interests and discover environments and careers that fit their natural strengths. They begin to see real possibilities, not just course titles on a schedule.
This is not about locking students into one path. It is about helping them make informed choices while keeping doors open.
Purpose and Functionality
MY PLAN begins in 8th grade before students select their high school courses. Students complete career interest surveys grounded in the RIASEC framework. They explore pathways offered across our high schools. They begin mapping coursework to future goals.
All 8th graders visit our three comprehensive high schools to see programs in action before choosing ninth grade classes. Planning becomes real. Students see each campus, meet student leaders, visit career technical education programs, performing arts spaces, learn about advanced coursework, and hands-on learning environments.
The plan is housed in AERIES and revisited in grades 10 and 12. As students grow, their plan grows with them. Counselors guide the process. Families are invited into the conversation. Students reflect on their growth in confidence, curiosity, capability, connectedness, and knowledge.
MY PLAN turns intention into direction.
The Pulse of Possibility
In Vista Unified, we talk about the Pulse of Possibility. That belief drives everything we do. We believe students should not just graduate. They should launch.
When students earn their diploma, they are not receiving permission to begin thinking about their future. They are stepping forward prepared to pursue it.
MY PLAN ensures that when students cross the stage, they hold more than a piece of paper. They hold clarity. They hold options. They hold a plan that leads toward a living wage and a meaningful life in our community.
That is the commitment behind MY PLAN.
High School Course Catalogs
