College & Career Readiness in Middle School Jessica Himes and Katie Sinclair School Counselors Calvert County Public Schools

What makes you come alive? Ted Talk Ted Talk

What are we doing to help our students find their passion?

Our role in College & Career Readiness Imagine a school system in which every student graduates ready for college and career. In this system, all students want to succeed, they understand their interests and passions and have the tools they need to set goals achievable now and in the future. As educators, we can help students develop the skills and aspirations that are critical to preparing for college and career.

NOSCA’s Eight Components of College and Career Readiness Counseling 1. College Aspirations 2. Academic Planning for College and Career Readiness 3. Enrichment and Extracurricular Engagement 4. College and Career Exploration and Selection Processes 5. College and Career Assessments 6. College Affordability Planning 7. College and Career Admission Processes 8. Transition from High School Graduation to College Enrollment

College & Career Ready across the grades  In elementary school, educators create early awareness, knowledge and skills that lay the foundation for the academic rigor and social development necessary for college and career readiness. (Components 1–6)  In middle school, educators create opportunities to explore and deepen college and career knowledge and skills necessary for academic planning and goal setting. (Components 1–6)  In high school, educators create access to college and career pathways that promote full implementation of personal goals that ensure the widest range of future life options. (Components 1–8)

Taken together, the components are the building blocks of college and career readiness counseling.

THE GOAL Build a college-going culture based on early college awareness. Nurture students to aspire to go to college and the resilience to overcome challenges along the way. Why It Matters School communities that intentionally encourage high aspirations for all students are more likely to help them gain the academic preparation necessary to graduate college and career ready.

Where to start…  Lessons that focus on middle school success such as: efficacy, organization skills, work habits, time management, goal setting, motivation/confidence building  Lessons can taught in classrooms or small groups  One on one mentor/counseling sessions for at risk students  At risk students can include: high tardiness, absences, referrals or poor grades.  Buy- in report  Don’t forget to include all staff as possible mentors such as coaches, secretaries, and custodians Remember the titansRemember the titans  Expose students to different learning styles as well as discover their own styles

THE GOAL Advance students’ planning, preparation, participation and performance in a rigorous academic program that connects to their college and career aspirations and goals. Why It Matters An academic plan is a road map to success. When students develop an academic plan that specifies the courses they need and in what order, they can focus on college and career planning and goal setting.

Where to start…  Use data to ensure students are enrolled in rigorous courses  Provide supports for students who have potential ability but lack skills necessary to achieve their potential  Lessons that promote self-advocacy such as study skills, learning habits, test taking skills, efficacy, goal setting  Creating four year plans for high school with eighth grade students

THE GOAL Ensure equitable exposure to a wide range of extracurricular and enrichment opportunities that build leadership, nurture talents and interests, and increase engagement with school. Why It Matters Enrichment and extracurricular activities increase students’ engagement and academic performance and assist them in gaining confidence and achieving goals. These experiences give students the opportunity to explore and experiment in activities that can lead them to their passion.

Where to start…  Create a career exposure events such as career days or career pathways program  Promote involvement in extra-curricular activities and academic clubs such as MESA, Lego robotics, SGA, NJHS, FBLA, Math Counts, etc  Connect with local high school and career tech academy to provide exposure to potential programs such as project lead the way, trade careers, teacher academy etc  Publicize opportunities for continued learning outside of school such as: Johns Hopkins center for gifted and talented youth, leadership training, summer programs/camps, college camp

THE GOAL Provide early and ongoing exposure to experiences and information necessary to make informed decisions when selecting a college or career that connects to academic preparation and future aspirations. Why It Matters Deepening students’ self-awareness — and the connection between who they are and their ability to fulfill their future educational goals — is a critical part of college and career exploration and selection.

Where to start…  Lessons addressing post-secondary options and associated vocabulary  College and career spotlight bulletin board  Provide times for staff to share personal college experiences in class or by spotlight  Use assessments to help students explore their interests and abilities that match them to potential majors or careers  Career Cruising  College Board  Provide opportunities for individual college and career research  Internet research  College visits

THE GOAL Promote preparation, participation and performance in college and career assessments by all students. Why It Matters Testing, such as ReadiStep™, EXPLORE, PSAT/NMSQT®, PLAN, and career assessments, is one critical element of college and career readiness. Teaching students how testing and academics will help them attain their aspirations is a critical part of helping them set and reach their goals.

Where to start…  Develop a positive culture around standardized assessments. Emphasize assessments increase ones knowledge of self and career opportunities.  Provide incentives and rewards for assessments  Create positive culture for staff members in relation to assessments  Expose students to future key assessments in high school.  PSAT  ACT  SAT  AP exams

THE GOAL Provide students and families with comprehensive information about college costs, options for paying for college, and the financial aid and scholarship processes and eligibility requirements, so they are able to plan for and afford a college education. Why It Matters Understanding financial planning and the use and management of money is critical for students and families. These skills will assist them in making sound financial plans and decisions related to students’ future educational goals.

Where to start…  Lessons on financial literacy, post-secondary costs, scholarship/grant exposure  Expose students to the relationship between post-secondary degrees and future earning potential  Publicize scholarships and assist in organizing application materials such as Carson Scholarship.

THE GOAL Ensure that students and families have an early and ongoing understanding of the college and career application and admission processes so they can find the postsecondary options that are the best fit with their aspirations and interests. Why It Matters To successfully navigate the admission process, students must be aware of and follow application guidelines and timelines, and they must supply a range of documentation and verification. The school counselor’s support is critical for helping students submit complete application packages so they have the greatest opportunity for acceptance.

Where to start…  Provide checklists or roadmaps to students and parents about the college application and financial aid processes.  Lessons that focus on college admissions tips and timelines

THE GOAL Connect students to school and community resources to help the students overcome barriers and ensure the successful transition from high school to college. Why It Matters For those going to college and career/technical schools, the summer between high school graduation and postsecondary matriculation can be difficult, and students typically receive little or no support during this time. During this gap between high school and college, students must stay focused on their goals and keep track of tasks that are necessary to complete the enrollment process. Giving students support during this critical time can help them make the transition successfully.

Where to start…  Provide checklists or roadmaps to students and parents about the transition to college.  Register for any placement testing  Finalize financial aid information and research other possibilities for assistance  Check college requirements for academics as well as on/off campus housing  Explore and register for sports/clubs or any other extra-curricular activities  Remind students to request final transcripts

What can you do to help students develop the skills and aspirations to prepare for college and career?