Post Secondary Conference Overview & Feedback

Post Secondary Conference Overview & Feedback College Readiness: Translating Aspirations into Actions January 12 – 14, 2011 LaShae Merrell Bogan H.S. – SLC Coach

Emerging Researchpresented by Jenny Nagaoka (Consortium on Chicago School Research)

Emerging Research Key Discussion Questions • What do you see as the major barriers to college access and/or successful completion by underrepresented students? • What can districts and high schools do to promote college success for all students?

Emerging Research Findings in CPS • Grades are a better indicator of students going to college than test scores. • Getting to college requires “college knowledge.” • College choice matters a great deal. • Highly qualified students face unique issues • The college going climate of a high school has a significant impact on the college outcomes of the graduate.

Building a College Going Culturepresented by Carol Miller Lieber(Educators for Social Responsibility)

Building a College Going Culture Key Questions • How do we support every student in imagining, holding onto, and achieving their future aspirations? • How do we provide the right kind of college readiness for all students?

Building a College Going Culture College Readiness Youth Development Vision & Leadership Climate, Culture & Teaching & Learning Student Support

Building a College Going Culture ESR Methods • Communicate that college is possible for all students • Ensure that every student has one adult supporting him/her along all four years of high school. • Have mediated conversations with students about college readiness and planning. • Help to build students’ personal attributes. • Build a common language around the college going process.

Building a College Going Culture Action Steps to Building a College Going Culture • Ensure that at least 80% of the faculty understand the dimensions of and truly believe that all students can go to college. • Demand high quality work from all students. • Use on-going data to support and match students appropriately. • Build a school-wide college going reputation. • Develop partnerships.

Supporting Postsecondary Planning and Preparation through Advisorypresented by Carol Miller Lieber & Michele Tissiere(Educators for Social Responsibility)

Supporting Postsecondary Planning and Preparation through Advisory Guidance & Counseling STUDENT Families & Allies Advisor Classroom Teachers

Supporting Postsecondary Planning and Preparation through Advisory Critical Action Steps to Developing Advisories • Identify an advisory council/team. • Study multiple sources of data to inform advisory decisions • Survey and/or talk to students about their needs and interests. • Garner the voice of your staff.

Supporting Postsecondary Planning and Preparation through Advisory Critical Steps to Developing Advisories • Establish effective communication systems with all stakeholders. • Create a schedule that will allow advisors to meet the goals. • Work with staff on defining the role and responsibilities of the advisor. • Secure time for PD to build teacher skills and competencies in the role of advisor

Supporting Postsecondary Planning and Preparation through Advisory Hints from Schools with Highly Functioning Advisories • Infuse readings/book studies. • Begin with at least 6 weeks of whole group advising. • Develop a system of peer to peer accountability (staff and students). • Have advisory teachers work in pairs. • Recognize and praise successes.

Overall Goal for Cohort 10: Impact Post Secondary Enrollment(developed by SLC Team)

Impact Post Secondary Enrollment Action Step 1 Create a School-Wide College Going Culture • Find a common language. • Develop common expectations. • Form partnerships that give students post secondary experience • Foster the belief that all students can obtain postsecondary success • Provide on-going PD and support for staff

Impact Post Secondary Enrollment Action Step 2 Develop Strong Advisories that Promote Postsecondary Success • 100% of the teachers will be trained to be effective advisors. • Develop a post secondary plan for every student. • Monitor implementation and provide data for teachers with peer to peer accountability. • Build relationships with every student (1:1 mentoring). • Move beyond advisory by creating post secondary seminar classes.

Questions & Comments

Post Secondary Conference Overview & Feedback