Component 2. Academic Planning for College and Career Readiness - NOSCA - College Board Advocacy | NOSCA: National Office for School Counselor Advocacy

2. Academic Planning for College and Career Readiness

Advance students’ planning, preparation, participation and performance in a rigorous academic program that connects to their college and career aspirations and goals.

Working Systemwide

Students
School
District
Parents/Families
Community

Help students plan and implement a program of study
that meets requirements for acceptance to in-state universities or leads to industry and technology licenses and certifications.
Help students take college, career and technology classes
while still in high school by introducing them to dual enrollment, online classes, early college, distance learning and virtual schools.
Help students understand and make the most of their own learning styles
as they develop skills in test taking, research, writing, speaking, debate, presentation, studying, and higher-order thinking (application, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, etc.). This will increase their academic performance and proficiency and develop their confidence to take more rigorous courses.

Examine policies and practices that govern entrance into rigorous classes.
Work with your school’s master scheduler to ensure there are sufficient sections of rigorous courses so all students have opportunities to participate.
Collaborate with teachers, including those who teach Algebra I, calculus, physics, chemistry, AP, honors, International Baccalaureate and other rigorous courses
to develop strategies to help more students succeed (e.g., using technology and experiential learning, tutoring, extra study time and special skills sessions).
Collaborate with teachers and students to build peer support networks
to assist traditionally underserved students, first-generation students, and others whomay need extra help with rigorous courses.

Collaborate with middle or junior high school counselors
to share information about student programs of study that align to admission standards for in-state universities and career or technical schools.
Collaborate with other high school counselors in your district
to build networks and to share interventions that support rigorous course-taking patterns to reach school and district goals.

Create outreach efforts to ensure that parents and families are aware of their role
in assisting their children in academic planning. Emphasize that academic planning is critical so students take the courses they need to gain entrance into a state university or earn industry and technology certification or licenses (see student interventions).
Help parents and families assist their children in developing and implementing academic plans
and understanding the consequences of not engaging in the planning process.
Provide ways parents and families can share their college and career experiences
to build students’ aspirations and encourage their academic performance.

Team with community-based organizations
to provide mentoring opportunities aimed at promoting participation in college-preparatory courses.
Promote consistent messages about college and career readiness,
emphasizing that all students, including those traditionally underserved, can be college and career ready.

Data Elements

Proficiency in state tests for English, math and science
Students enrolled in and completing Algebra I
Students enrolled in and completing AP courses
Students enrolled in and completing courses required for in-state university admission