College prep for middle-school families

1. College prep for middle-school families NWSISD- FCE Anoka/Hennepin/Brooklyn Center/Buffalo/Elk River/Fridley/Mounds View/Osseo/ Rockford Information from Great Schools- Involved parents. Successful Kids Created by Gale Cannon –CFLE Family Program Specialist NWSISD

2. Keys to preparing middle school families for college • The need to engage families with students in MS about college. • Encourage family discussions about college. • College preparation in Middle School. • Classroom preparation for college. • Families are teachers. • Looking ahead to High School.

3. The Data shows 98% of 7th & 8th graders said they were likely to attend college. 68% of 7th & 8th graders said they had little or no information which classes to take in order to best prepare for college. The National Association for College Admission Counseling and ACT emphasize that parents (families) should start planning for college no later than middle school. Reasons: Students need to prepare in MS to take HS classes that are college required. Families need to made aware of current college options; types of colleges/ universities, costs, savings programs, scholarships, loans, grants, work-study, application deadlines.

4. Engage families in discussions on college • High expectations are a significant influence on student goals, achievement and life long success. Families need to be an advocate for higher learning and support the vision and dreams of their students. • Encourage discussions with students and family members on their interests, ‘Sparks’(hidden strengths of teenagers) – talents, gifts and abilities and how that might translate into a college major.

5. Engage families in discussions on college • Advise families that it’s not too early to take a college visit or tour; especially if this would be the first family member to attend college. • Families can talk to teachers about college – search websites and look at collage entrance requirements. • Families can also discuss with educators, other professionals, friends etc their college experiences.

6. College preparation in Middle School Middle school families tend to be less involved with school. However research does show that MS is the most challenging time for students in K-12 education. • Meet or correspond with your child’s teacher on any concerns or questions you have concerning their achievement, HW assignments, rigorous classes. • Talk to school counselors about your students interest, gifts or abilities to assist with course selection and goal setting. • Encourage participation in enrichment clubs, activities and opportunities . Discuss with your students the benefits to being involved in extra-curricular activities.

7. College preparation in Middle School • Assist schools in planning college tours or trips specifically for MS students and families. • Attend any informational college parent nights, FAFSA nights- [FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID] that your school or district offers. • Discuss standardized test results with school counselors, mentors, teachers and discuss how your student can get extra help for subjects they are struggling to master. • Attend parent teacher conferences and maintain ongoing communication with school/teachers.

8. Classroom preparation for college • Get involved with your child’s class choices. Advocate for increased rigorous classes and/or help for your struggling student. • Students who take algebra courses by 8th grade and geometry by 9th grade have a higher chance of attending college than those who don’t. • Taking rigorous math courses in MS allows students to take more advanced math courses at the HS. What classes should MS students be taking to best prepare them for college? • Algebra & Geometry • English every year • History (including geography) • Science • Foreign Languages begin in MS • Computer science

9. Preparing for the future Your child will need to satisfy more than the basic high school graduation requirements to be prepared to succeed in college and he won’t be prepared for college prep classes in high school unless he starts now.

10. Families are teachers • One of the best ways to prepare your child to succeed on the ACT or SAT – encourage him/her to read, read, read… • Help increase the vocabulary of your child by encouraging him/her to have a new ‘word of the day’. • Allow your child to share what he/she has been learning in the classroom at the dinner table. • Engage in conversations that have new information and encourage critical thinking.

11. Families are teachers • Allow your child to problem -solve challenges and discuss conflict resolutions. If you don’t know, look them up together. • Demonstrate your support for learning by being a life-long learner yourself. • Make sure your child has a place at home that he/she can do homework. • Network (get to know and share) with other families on strategies for HW help and school/home connections.

12. Looking Ahead to High School Don’t wait to get your child the assistance he may need. Speak to teachers, counselors, deans, cultural liaisons, administrators who are all there to ensure that your child succeeds. Look ahead to what’s available at your local HS- AP classes, college in the classroom, articulation agreements with colleges, magnet programs & PSEO- Post Secondary Education Opportunity…