The Journey to College through the Web
(see links below)
Having students prepared with the skills needed for college success is the
Poway Unified School District’s focus. The kindergarten children on our Web page are
just beginning their adventure in learning. They will become the college graduating
class of 2020!
College readiness starts with the very beginnings of a child’s learning. At Poway
Unified, our preschoolers begin to acquire important habits and attitudes that will
serve them well throughout their lifelong journey of learning. Throughout a child’s
years at PUSD, we strive to foster a positive quest for further education. Whether
this means a four-year college or university, community college, or specific technical
school experiences, our students need the college readiness skills that will help them
at school and in their careers.
The links below access some websites that give not only college information, but
tips for parents of elementary students as well. From the College Board site to Mt.
Carmel High School’s library listings, to the research of one of our teachers and
the offerings of the PTA, researchers can find many suggestions to help students along
their educational pathway.
THE JOURNEY TO COLLEGE
through the web is a guided tour through some of the resources available on
the web. Done in a PowerPoint format.
A “Resource Guide for Students and Parents” from
the U.S. Department of Education comes to us from the Mt. Carmel staff. Check
out the "Sites with Information on Financial Aid". It's never too
early to think about college -- about the benefits of a college education and about
ways to put college within reach academically and financially. Mt. Carmel’s
informational links are filled with interesting sites such as Campus Virtual College
Tours, University of California and California State College information, and
scholarship searches.
All about College Board Tests (SAT, PSAT,
AP, etc.) …and so much more. The site contains ideas for planning for
college as a freshman, sophomore, and junior in high school, scholarships, essay tips,
and comparing colleges.
Campus Tours - A Virtual Tour
Campus maps, college videos, virtual tours, movies, and pictures are available on this
website.
College Express
College,
scholarship, and loan search.
"How to get to
College"
The California State University recognizes the importance of early preparation for
college. We have developed guides for middle and high school students and their
parents that help the students stay on a path to college. These guides are available
in an easily printed booklet form, in both English and Spanish.
Scholarship Research Center
A valuable tool that may help you find the financial assistance you need to
successfully complete college.
U.S.
News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” 2004 annual
college ranking issue.
The National PTA “Parent
Involvement” website contains many parent tips for helping your child
succeed. Parents do make a difference. Find answers to how to make a difference and
ways to talk to your kids about school, their sports experience and alcohol and
drugs.
“Links
for Learning Adventures” gives parents of elementary school youngsters tips
for researching the web, homework tips, and websites to share with their children.
PUSD teacher Linda Foote designed this page.
Many
articles about parent involvement and school success as well as tips for
preschool success, helping adolescents improve memory and concentration, taking the
right courses for college, and how family reading affects school success, and
more.
Tips for Parents
Here are some great tips to get every child
mathematically proficient and every child reading.
The Princeton Review
A comprehensive site filled with tools, advice, and news about college. Find out
about the tests, applications, and financial issues you'll encounter.
Investigate a Career & Technical Education to reach these goals faster (and
cheaper) than traditional colleges or grad schools.
College preparatory coursework,
known as a-g requirements, are prerequisites for admission to colleges and
universities including the University of California and California State University
systems. Having more students meet the rigorous a-g requirements and be successful in
college is a major goal for Poway Unified. Students need to acquire the critical
skills needed to do college work during high school through taking advantage of
college prep coursework.
University of California and California State University Requirements
Diagnostic Writing Service
The Diagnostic Writing Service is
available for students and teachers to assess current writing skills against
college-level expectations. Students can submit a written essay in response to an
actual California State University English placement test essay prompt. For $10 the
Writing Service will measure the student’s work against standards for students
entering the university, http://www.essayeval.org
Did You Know?…. Math Matters
Among 1992 high school graduates,
students whose parents did not attend college enrolled in four-year colleges at lower
rates than their counterparts from families where at least one parent had a bachelor’s
degree. However, completing an advanced mathematics course, at the pre-calculus level
or higher, appeared to help mitigate the disadvantages of first-generation status.
Among high school graduates whose parents did not attend college, 64 percent who had
completed advanced mathematics courses in high school enrolled in four-year colleges,
compared to 34 percent who had completed courses through Algebra II, and 11 percent
who had completed Algebra I and Geometry (The Condition of Education, 2001,
Mathematics Curriculum and College Enrollment, U.S. Dept. of Education).
Source: Supporting College Readiness: Successful
transitions between high school and college, California School Boards Association
Did You Know?….Senioritis may
contribute to lower first-year college academic performance
Students who do not take demanding
courses during their senior year may need to take college remediation courses.
Students often don’t consider their senior year as a foundation for future education
and are often unaware that they might be required to take placement exams once they
enroll in college. Not using the senior year to prepare for college-level coursework
is a lost opportunity to gain critical skills needed for college success.
Here are some suggestions to help
students make the most of their senior year:
- Rethink the senior year to include
opportunities for a better transition to higher education or work. Continue to
take advanced courses, consider enrolling in local community college courses, do
coursework along with community service projects, and consider meaningful
internships related to academic work.
- Inform seniors that they may be
have to take additional placement exams so they understand the importance of
enrolling in math and writing courses.
Source: Supporting College Readiness: Successful
transitions between high school and college, California School Boards Association
Especially for Parents
The U.S. Government Education Web
site has been designed to provide information on educational opportunities beyond high
school for learners of all ages.
http://www.ed.gov/parents/landing.jhtml?src=pn
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Our High School
Counseling Offices
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The Internet has brought college admission information right to your front
door. You can apply, locate scholarships, and fill out financial aid forms
from the comfort of your own home. Our high school counselors can also
assist you. Good Luck! |
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