1. California GEAR UP 2009 Counseling Institute Welcome!

2. California GEAR UP  Works with adults in middle schools  Institutes and Forums for Leadership Teams  Tool for sharing best practices  Provides on-site facilitators  School Self-Assessment Rubric (SSAR)  Professional Development Action Plan (PDAP)  Educational Trust Awards of $2,000

3. Counseling Institute Understand the role of preparing students for college admission – focus on academic rigor @ MS level Understand the ways to share college counseling information with Families Prioritize more time to academic counseling Examine difference between HS & A-G requirements Learn about available resources to support college counseling at the school-site

4. Formative Outcome 1 A Leadership Team led by the Principal, which guides the school-wide development of a college-going culture within a wider school improvement effort, and whose members actively participate in California GEAR UP activities. What is the role of the counselor as a member of the Leadership Team?

5. Formative Outcome 2 Rigorous academic instruction for all students, with regular and timely support for struggling students, and an increased number of Advanced Courses, including PreAlgebra in Grade 7, and Algebra in Grade 8. What is the role of the counselor in building and supporting rigorous academic instruction?

6. Formative Outcome 3 Academic counseling which includes an individual grade 7 – 12 Academic Plan for each student, based on their strengths and interests. How does your staff provide individual plans?

7. Formative Outcome 4 College and financial aid information for all students and families, including a College Corner in each school.

9. Our Workforce Has Changed

10. Our Paths to College

11. A – G Requirements

12. Admissions Tests SAT ACT Subject Tests PSAT ACT Explore

13. What will colleges look for? ALL will evaluate: Quality of courses and Academic performance MOST will evaluate: Standardized tests scores (SAT/ACT/Subject Tests) MANY will also consider: Recommendations, essay, extracurricular activities, special talents

14. Types of Financial Aid: Grants: based on financial need Scholarships: based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities or special talent Work/Study: students employed 10-15 hours a week while in college Loans: Money that must be paid back with interest (most educational loans have low interest rates)

15. Cost of Education Direct Costs Tuition and Required Fees Room and Board Indirect Costs Books and Supplies Personal Living Expense Transportation (to & from campus)

16. Financial Need Cost of Education (direct & indirect costs) -- Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need Need is met by: Grants Scholarships Work/Study Loans

17. Beware of Scholarship Scams!

18. Principles of a College Culture College Talk Clear Expectations Information & Resources Comprehensive Counseling Model Testing & Curriculum Faculty Involvement Family Involvement College Partnerships Articulation

19. Formative Outcome 5 Regular involvement of families in supporting excellence in learning and high aspirations of postsecondary education for their children. GEAR UP Resource Materials Clearinghouse PIQE (Parent Institute for Quality Education) FIP (Family Initiatives Project)

20. California GEAR UP Resources and Materials Clearinghouse www.castategearup.org A single source from which information, materials and resources can be accessed to support middle school educators in developing a college-going culture and to engage them in meaningful conversations about post-secondary opportunities. Created through the review of thousands of resources and refined by focus groups of middle school staff, parents and students.

21. The RMC web site Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s:short abstract answers, linked to – Details: complete answer, linked to – Resources: publications, videos, websites & bibliography Clearinghouse Curriculum Interactive lessons plans for 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grades PowerPoint presentations Presentations for parents in English and Spanish

22. College Culture Action Plan