“Students as Agents of their own Futures”
(adapted from “The Toolbox Revisited” by Clifford Adelman, 2006)
What to say to high school students who, when asked about their post-secondary plans say, “Of course I'm going to finish college”…
Just because you say you will continue your education after high school and earn a college credential doesn't make it happen. Wishing doesn't do it; preparation does!
Take the challenging coursework in high school and don't let anyone scare you away from it. Funny thing about it, but you learn what you study, so if you take up these challenges, your test scores will inevitable be better ( if you're worried about that).
Read like crazy! Expand your language because language is power. You will have a lot less trouble understanding math problems, biology textbooks, or historical documents. Chances are you won't be wasting precious credit hour son remedial courses in higher education if you read well and often.
If you don't see it now, you will see it in higher education: The world has gone quantitative - We're ruled by numbers!!! A full range of disciplines - business, geography, criminal justice, history, the health sciences - and job tasks tell you why math requirements are not just some school based requirement. So, come out of high school with more than Algebra 2. Make sure you take math in your senior year. When you enter higher education, take at least one college - level math course in your first year no matter what major area you enter or eventually choose.
Don't choose a college just because it is close to home, or because your uncle went there, or because you watched their basketball team on the final four! When you start to think seriously about post-secondary education, go to a variety of college and community college web sites. Look at www.collegeresults.org . Compare tuition costs and especially graduation rates. Look at the kinds of assignments and exam questions given in the required courses you'll probably take. If you don't see these items on the website, contact schools and ask for them. These assignments and questions are better than those in the SAT or ACT preparation manuals in terms of what will be required for you to complete a degree.
Enroll in advanced placement and/or dual enrollment courses in order earn general education credits while you are still in high school. Enroll in a summer school course at the local community college to fulfill more of the general education requirements. Aim to enter higher education with at least 6-9 credits earned this way - or more.
You are ultimately responsible for success in education. You are the principal actor. Seize the day - or lose it! Check out: www.KnowHow2Go.org
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