BUILDING BRIDGES THAT WON’T FALL Best Practices for Building and Developing Positive Relationships Between High School and College Counselors Imani Cabell & Charles Bell

WHO ARE WE… Imani Cabell Charles Bell Dual Enrollment Coordinator University of North Georgia Charles Bell Title IV Career and College Coordinator for Hall County School System

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Hall County School System 36 schools with over 29000 students 8 high schools with over 9000 students College and Career Coordinator Jones Early College Not a traditional Early College Uniqueness 8 high schools are eligible to participate Over 400 students taking classes at one of more colleges (Brenau University, Lanier Technical College & the University of North Georgia)

LEARNING OUTCOMES Identify the major pitfalls that may exist in your current communication with high school counselors and vice versa. Create meaningful and lasting best communication practices. Develop effective student-centered dual enrollment methods that will synchronize fluency in all aspects of dual enrollment.

POLL What are some current challenges you face when communicating with your respective high school counselors? https://www.polleverywhere.com/free_text_polls/fSBldHYpaoOC3ePb07huJ

HALL COUNTY VS UNG PITFALLS Point person to communicate with at each high school Student Participation Agreement Forms High School class schedule High school related activities Difference in calendars FERPA Val/ Sal & numeric grades STARS approval Transcripts Suspension & Probation List No Early Alert system or action steps Drop or Withdraw notification Attendance policy clarification and issues Grades Dismissals Student Participation Agreement Forms

WEATHERING THE STORM Point person to communicate with at each school High school class schedule High school related activities Difference in calendars FERPA Val/ Sal & numeric grades STARS approval Transcripts Suspension and Probation List No existence of Early Alert system or action steps Drop or Withdraw notification Attendance policy clarification and Issues Grades Dismissals

CREATING A MEANINGFUL FOUNDATION Establish point of contact at each high school Quarterly newsletter that includes important dates for your college, DE state and college updates Counselor office visits by college DE Coordinators DE- Workshop’s and Summits hosted by the college and the high school Jones’ Info Nights College flow charts for documentation College dual enrollment coordinator High school dual enrollment coordinator Establish point of contact in each service area (ex: financial aid, admissions, business affairs, etc.) High school counselor summit Establish contacts at Department of Education, Board of Regents, & GATRACS College and high school advisor continued training and professional development through conferences

STUDENT CENTERED LENSES Autopilot – You can’t just go through the motions. Each student is different. Always be sure to explain what you are saying. Blank Slate – Treat each new student like like they are a blank slate (because they are). #1000 = #1 – Understand that your 1000th time hearing something is someone else’s first time asking, especially first generation students. Building Ever-Growing Learners – Dual Enrollment students are seen as the best and brightest high school students; it is our job to ensure they are learning. Punitive Vs Developmental – Be sure the punishment fits the crime and lessons can always be learned. We are not here to just discipline. Always, our first goal is to teach. Teachable moments are key to long lasting success.

UNDERSTANDING THE TARGET WHAT HOW WHY

What do you want your program to accomplish in the next year? Mission Statement

TAKEAWAYS Identify the major pitfalls that exist in your programs communication. Create meaningful and lasting best practices for your programs. Methods for creating a dual enrollment programmed that is centered around the growth and lasting development of your students.

CONTACT INFORMATION Imani Cabell UNG Dual Enrollment Coordinator 678-717-3540 Imani.cabell@ung.edu Charles Bell Hall County Career and College Coordinator 770-534-3939 Charles.bell@hallco.org

WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED OUR PRESENTATION ? Questions