April+4,+2012

= **Secondary Counselors’ Meeting ** = = **April 4, 2012 ** = = **HS 7:30 – 11:30, MS 9:30 – 1:00 ** =

Class rank meetings

 * Update
 * Last year, met with every senior who signed for to document if chose to report rank or not
 * Will do again for 2012-13 seniors
 * Board policy has had first reading - basically same policy as this year (choose to show rank or not by certain date)
 * invited college admissions reps to give input
 * Board had lengthy discussion
 * [|Class Rank Talking Points rev.pdf] provided - any changes?
 * list every school that needs a rank
 * It is difficult to have a complete list, need to have it updated on a regular basis
 * Schools that need ranking are: Baylor, Texas Tech, Texas A&M,
 * indicate that most scholarships require ranking
 * change verbiage and highlight family's responsibility:

__Some universities have__ announced ANY application that does NOT include class rank will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications are not processed. If you are applying to __these universities__, you MUST choose to report class rank.


 * Please note that it is the individual family’s responsibility to verify the most current guidelines for admissions and scholarship opportunities. What we are offering are suggestions as to whether it is best for the student to show their rank on their transcript or not show their rank.**


 * Date the document (at the time of publication...)
 * Concern of having to re-do things when discover other universities are requiring rank
 * Concern about process for those who apply starting Aug 1 - need consistent process
 * Need the preliminary rank in order for students to make a choice, cannot start meetings till after this comes out in the summer
 * Comment: Has this helped or benefited anybody? Is this working? Need feedback ...
 * Need registrars' feedback
 * Timeline - have docs out before summer
 * Why not provide an actual rank vs a quartile rank during the junior year? May motivate students better if they know exactly where they stand.

[|T-2-4 flier.pdf]

 * what are we already doing to help student get in, get ready, and get through
 * college night
 * college visits
 * advisory lessons
 * transcript reviews
 * work to ensure students graduate
 * FAFSA events
 * the GO van
 * college app nights
 * Collegiate Challenge
 * talking about college
 * grade level meetings
 * senior visits about class rank
 * what could we do to double the number getting through
 * increase information about T option
 * technical and community college visits
 * Career Cruising
 * career research earlier
 * experiences in the community and outside the community

**Transition process meeting** - each school needs a volunteer to serve on a transition process review committee. reps will meet with elementary reps before June 8th to try to develop more consistent and systematic processes across the district

Shmoop.com

 * online test prep resource for high school students
 * SAT, PSAT, ACT, AP Exams
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">includes teacher resources
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">currently available for NHS, SWHS, and WAIS high school students and faculty
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">soon to be available for MHS and SHS
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">not to compete with the SAT prep course, but to supplement it
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">[|Shmoop Login Instructions for SBISD Students.pdf]
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">[|Shmoop Login Instructions for SBISD Teachers.pdf]

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">**Opportunity 14** - Julie Falcon (Rep)
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">It is an endowed scholarship program through HCC
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Apply to HCC w/in 1 year of graduation from HS
 * Complete the FAFSA to apply for Texas & Pell Grants
 * Whatever is not be covered by Pell will be covered by the Opportunity 14 (up to $3K/year)
 * A separate application is not needed. If they qualify for Pell then they will be automatically entered into the system for Opportunity 14.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Transcript review process

 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">campuses listed the steps in their ongoing transcript reviews
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">start at the beginning of each semester, but takes extensive amounts of time to do
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">it was recommended that after the senior counselor does the review, the transcripts are split among all the others for a second check
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">BIG ISSUE NOTED - access to transcript
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">counselors' lack of access to printing 1 page transcripts greatly affects their efficiency and accuracy
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">while counselors can view transcripts in the system - it is not all on the screen
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">transcripts printed by the registrar quickly become out of date
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">counselors understand the transcripts they print are unofficial and unsigned - therefore they cannot be used by students
 * BIG ISSUE NOTED - transcription from middle school
 * CBE
 * MS credit
 * summer school credit

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Update from Accountability and Research (Keith Haffey)

 * counselors have a critical role in the new testing system
 * think about questions you have because they will help us figure things out as we enter this new system
 * what do I need to know, when do I need to know it, and what does it look like?
 * Secondary Student Handbook, pg. H-40, explains new requirement
 * State says there are 12 exit exams, but there are really 15 because the English as a writing component which students must pass (4 hours each)
 * English I, II, III - on all 3 graduation plans (English & writing)
 * Math - Algebra I and Geometry on all 3 graduation plan, Algebra II for Recommended or DAP and Math Models for Minimum
 * Science - Biology, Chemistry, Physics for Recommended or DAP, only Biology for Minimum
 * Social Studies - World History, World Geography, US History for Recommended or DAP, for Minimum have US History and either World Geography or World History (even though they take both before US His)
 * If a child is in a course with an EOC, they MUST take the EOC
 * Cumulative Score
 * based on the number of tests a child needs for a subject area
 * Let's say 70 out of 100 is passing. So you need a minimum cumulative score of 210 to graduate.
 * as long as have cumulative score of 210, even if don't pass all EOCs for a subject area, can graduate. must pass English III or Alg II.
 * student may retest on any test as often as like to raise the cumulative score
 * score standards
 * level 1 - unsatisfactory
 * minimum score (like 60-69)
 * level 2 - satisfactory (passed)
 * level 3 - advanced (formerly commended), college ready for English III & Algebra II
 * counselors are the students' strategist to help them decide which tests to retake to raise the cumulative score
 * World Geography has never been tested before
 * change in policy
 * Board policy passed in December
 * STAAR or STAAR M are the only 2 versions
 * class rank and GPA calculated from semester averages, independent of EOC and final course grade (EOC does not affect GPA)
 * we will award half credit or whole credit for courses (unlike some neighboring districts)
 * FOR THIS YEAR... FOR 9th GRADERS... IN EOC COURSES
 * regardless of whether they fail the first or second semester, as long as the average for the year is passing, the student gets credit for the year
 * all non-EOC courses remain the same as before
 * no 15% in effect this year
 * FOR 2012-2013... FOR 9th & 10th GRADERS... in EOC COURSES
 * even if you failed fall or spring semester, if you have a 70 average at the end of course for a course with an EOC and you get the minimum score on EOC, you get credit for the year
 * have to get minimum score on the EOC to get credit for the semester, when retake the test and reach the minimum score, credit is restored - regardless of the semester grade
 * scenario 1: fail first semester, pass second semester, year average is passing, get minimum score on EOC - credit for both semesters
 * scenario 2: fail first semester, pass second semester, year average is passing, don't get minimum score on EOC - credit for first semester, no credit for second semester until get minimum score on EOC
 * scenario 3: pass first semester, fail second semester, year average is passing, get minimum score on EOC - credit for both semesters
 * scenario 4: pass first semester, fail second semester, year average is passing, don't get minimum score on EOC - credit for first semester, no credit for second semester until get minimum score on EOC
 * scenario 5: fail first semester, fail second semester, get minimum score on EOC - no credit for the course, does not have to retake EOC
 * two poor learning experiences in a row will have hugely detrimental affects on a student, make some strategic decisions about schedules to protect kids
 * decisions on student placement and programming need to be made as a team, consider implications on students who transfer between schools
 * retesting opportunities - July, November/December, spring
 * summer school and EOC timing - two choices
 * take July test before finish course
 * finish the course, take exam in December
 * CBE students will have to take EOC, what is the timing? Keith will get back to us on it
 * Student comes in next year as 10th grader from outside Texas...
 * choose to not take EOC (limits opportunity to get cumulative score)
 * choose to go back and take EOC of their choice

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Update on Skyward (Dan Casteel)

 * Switch over to the using menus, as the buttons will be gone in next update
 * Pathways need to be set in the Preferences
 * Changing sections now are more complicated - work in progress
 * Need better ways of looking at transcripts
 * Training: published in PDLC
 * Summer school programs - no dates yet, work in progress

===<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">9th grade summer program (Jennifer Collier) - [|9th grade EOC summer school.pdf] ===
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">New program designed to support kids in passing EOC
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Target audience
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">current 8th or 9th graders who scored between 60-69 on course requiring EOC
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Pilot program to be held at SWHS
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Seven classes available
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Can enroll in 4 classes
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">AM/PM bus will be provided
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Pass course and fail the test, will earn credit
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Cost is minimal, $100/course ($85 free and reduced)
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Student NOT in the target audience
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">PASS ALL CLASSES AND EOC, No summer school
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Did not pass all courses and scored under 60, traditional summer school
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">200-300 kids, before EOC, estimated amount to be serviced
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Use paper form to register kids for classes they need, SWHS will arrange schedule

===<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">High School Summer School (Lisa Slinkard and Dave Parker) - [|HS Summer School Courses.pdf] ===
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Courses being offered are now posted online here
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Offering traditional courses: MA/SCI/SS/LA
 * List indicates if course if for retake or original credit
 * Electives are also being offered (SAT Prep, ASL, Fine Arts, etc.)
 * A lot of parent inquiries about "Money Matters"
 * Need 15 students in order for a class to proceed
 * Another resource is the Virtual School
 * If there is a particular need for a course and can have 15 or more students then it can be considered
 * Pre-AP/Geom will be offered
 * Will take EOC on campus
 * Odyssey (replacing Plato) - limited seats available (25-30)
 * To be offered for those who failed within a certain range: 64-69
 * Collect payments before actual summer school begins or work out a payment plan (try to collect as much beforehand)
 * HS TAKS Prep Course 5-day instructional program with AM and PM Sessions (FREE)
 * Will be working with the counselors to help send out communication to promote the TAKS Prep Course
 * Dates: June 27, 28, July 2,3, 5
 * Actual Testing: Week of July 9: 9am - 12nn
 * Will send out the list of tests to be given per day
 * Recruiting teachers for ELA to work for 5 days

__**<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Middle School **__
<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">**Transition process meeting** - each school needs a volunteer to serve on a transition process review committee. reps will meet with elementary reps before June 8th to try to develop more consistent and systematic processes across the district

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">T-2-4 flier.pdf

 * what are we already doing to help student get in, get ready, and get through
 * Urge to take Pre-AP/AP classes
 * 4 year plans
 * talk to the students about college
 * College Visits, College Fair
 * Texas Scholars
 * High School courses that they can take in MS
 * what could we do to double the number getting through
 * Extend College Night hours for Middle School (can also go before)
 * Expand exposure of MS students to higher education campuses
 * Different for each grade level, builds up on the other
 * Availability of a grants/grants to help fund campus visits
 * Technical Schools (i.e., Lee College)
 * Promote the Houston Hispanic Forum (offered a lot of resources)
 * Career day
 * Implementing career cruising (why do I need to take it and why?)
 * Need more information on Technical Schools
 * need more in-depth information
 * need to be careful about for-profit colleges especially concerning costs
 * Help students understand graduation rates and reputation of colleges

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Middle School Summer School (Geoff Dixon)

 * Info posted on line soon - check here
 * Same program as last, 4 courses for each grade level, but no TAKS
 * 2 10-day sessions
 * For students who are in the 65-69 range, will attend 1 session (10 days)
 * For students who score below 65, will have to attend 2 sessions (20 days)
 * Session 1: June 11 - 26
 * Session 2: June 27 - July 16


 * AM/PM sessions available
 * Lead teachers to oversee the 4 departments
 * Teacher of Record and Co-teacher: responsible for the whole classroom
 * Progressive format - prep for next grade level
 * Held at CSA where HS summer school occurring
 * Payment:
 * $100 for 10 days of instruction
 * 2 sessions: $150 (10 additional days of the same session)
 * 2 separate sessions: $200
 * Payment: Better to get payment ahead of time, already have a buy-in
 * How do you ensure that kids are enrolling in the right classes (10-day/20-day)? Still working with Skyward to resolve this
 * Ideal for each middle school to send a representative to help with the registration the first day of summer school

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Struggles

 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Tw Cen MT','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Dealing with over-age students and students that are not motivated, will spill over into HS ( behavior issues)
 * Students are placed on the Recommended Plan but the additional EOC requirements will provide added burden and possibly cause them to drop-out
 * Assistance for those that are not in the top 25% (need support)
 * Address kids who have been out of school for awhile, need programs to assist them
 * Concern about staffing
 * Our understanding of technical programs and how to make those available to kids
 * How many elective credits can OCHF be used for?
 * From the student application: "Students on Category 1 may earn two state-approved credits and two local credits. They may miss only one period during the day. Students on Category 2 may earn required curriculum credit for graduation."
 * From the student application: "Students participating at this level [Category 1] may receive a maximum of one-half credit per semester. A total of four credits may be earned toward state high school graduation requirements."
 * From the student application: "Students participating at this level [Category 2] may receive a maximum of one-half credit per semester. A total of four credits may be earned toward state high school graduation requirements."
 * EHAC
 * Is Debate 4 a local credit?
 * Can Skyward merge transcripts into a credit check document?
 * May 8th graders who failed Algebra I with 60-69 go to EOC 9th grade summer school?
 * Who must transcript HS courses taken in MS that everyone agrees the student took?
 * What will the process be for those who want a transcript before the senior meetings?