California GEAR UP

2009 Counseling Institute

Welcome!

California GEAR UP Works with adults in middle schoolsInstitutes and Forums for Leadership TeamsTool for sharing best practicesProvides on-site facilitatorsSchool Self-Assessment Rubric (SSAR)Professional Development Action Plan (PDAP)Educational Trust Awards of $2,000

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

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?

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?

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?

Formative Outcome 4

• College and financial aid information for all students and families, including a College Corner in each school.

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Our Paths to College

A – G Requirements

Admissions Tests

• SAT• ACT• Subject Tests

• PSAT• ACT Explore

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

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)

Cost of Education

Direct CostsTuition and Required Fees

Room and Board

Indirect CostsBooks and Supplies

Personal Living ExpenseTransportation (to & from campus)

Financial NeedCost of Education (direct & indirect costs)

-- Expected Family Contribution= Financial Need

Need is met by:Grants

ScholarshipsWork/Study

Loans

Beware of Scholarship Scams!

Principles of a College Culture

• College Talk• Clear Expectations• Information & Resources• Comprehensive Counseling Model• Testing & Curriculum• Faculty Involvement• Family Involvement• College Partnerships• Articulation

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)

California GEAR UPResources 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.

The RMC web siteFrequently Asked QuestionsFAQ’s: short abstract answers, linked to –Details: complete answer, linked to –Resources: publications, videos, websites & bibliography

Clearinghouse CurriculumInteractive lessons plans for 6th, 7th and 8th grades

PowerPoint presentationsPresentations for parents in English and Spanish

College Culture Action Plan