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
