Promoting Graduation and College and Career Readiness
Graduation Committee and Parent Workshops
As a new school with our first graduating classes just last year, our goal is to set the bar high with graduation rates from the onset. Last year our graduation rate for our seniors was close to 90%, however our goal is ton increase graduation rate and also to increase our college going rates. As a graduation committee, which consisted of grade-level teachers and myself, we met every week targeting those students at risk. Once identified we would schedule parent conferences to ensure that parents were aware and could assist in monitoring their child's academic progress. A graduation plan was put in place also to closely monitor those at risk and ensure that every possible opportunity was provided to that student graduate, such as online credit recovery classes, community service and constant dialogue with their teachers. Additionally, workshops were held each semester with students and parents to inform them of graduation requirements and the college application process.
College Fair
In an effort to promote a college-going school culture and to educate students and families about the various opportunities for colleges, I collaborated with another Counselor in our school campus' College Fair. We had over forty colleges attend and several students and their families attended this event. This event was quite successful and accomplished our goal of creating awareness to our students and families about the various opportunities to pursue a college education.
Cash for College Workshop
In an effort to educate our 12th grade students about the financial opportunities for going to college, I organized and took fifty seniors to the annual Cash for College Workshop in the Los Angeles Convention Center. At this event, students were provided with vital financial opportunities for college. Additionally, workshops were held for AB540 students, informing them of the opportunities accessible to them as undocumented students. This workshop outing was a success because I find it is of extreme importance to educate students on the opportunities that exist for their college going experience. Given that my students mostly all come from low-income households, many times the financial costs related to college are a deterrent for going to college, however, once educated about the possible financial opportunities for them, empowers them to pursue their dream of going to college and makes it a reality rather than an unattainable goal.
National Honors Society Member
As an official member of our school's first National Honors Society, our goal was to recognize and celebrate our students' academic success. In addition, this prestigious recognition helps to motivate students to become more involved and excel academically. A ceremony to induct our student members was held and parents were also present for this event. Currently, our membership consists of about fifty students and we hope to have it grow in the future years. I personally feel that it is important to celebrate student's success because I believe that intrinsically it motivates them even more and gives them a sense of purpose in their educational career.
Connection to CPSEL's
As a Counselor, I find it extremely important to promote a graduating and college going culture at a school. Statistics show a large number of high school dropouts in inner cities especially. Because of this sad statistic, I take it very personally to try to change the statistic to increase graduation and opportunities for college and career readiness. The following are the CPSEL's that were met in the above mentioned leadership activities:
1.1 Facilitate the development of a shared vision for the achievement of all students based upon data from multiple measures of student learning and relevant qualitative indicators.
1.6 Leverage and marshal sufficient resources, including technology, to implement and attain the vision for all students and all subgroups of students.
2.1 Shape a culture in which high expectations are the norm for each student as evident in rigorous academic work.
2.4 Guide and support the long-term professional development of all staff consistent with the ongoing effort to improve the learning of all students relative to the content standards.
3.2 Utilize effective and nurturing practices in establishing student behavior management systems.
3.3 Establish school structures and processes that support student learning.
4.5 Communicate information about the school on a regular and predictable basis through a variety of media.
5.9 Encourage and inspire others to higher levels of performance, commitment, and motivation.
5.10 Sustain personal motivation, commitment, energy, and health by balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
