College Preparation Requirements by Stephanie Trammell https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe The padlet covers the legal and ethical requirements of college preparation for K12 students and how the requirements impact school districts. The padlet was designed as a useful tool for the district administrators who interpret the laws, as well as for the high school counselors who implement the laws on the high school campuses. en-us 2020-02-25 00:57:05 UTC 2020-03-01 19:13:15 UTC hello@padlet.com Padlet Slide #1 Professional Perspective/Audience/Topic strammell2 https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449858080 As a future K12 administrator, it is evident that college preparation proves to be a necessity for the success of most students, and for some, can be the determining factor into whether or not they are educationally ready for college. 

With this in mind, the state of Texas mandated, under the requirement of § 28.014 of the Texas Education Code, that all Texas school districts are required to partner with an institution of higher education (IHE) to offer college preparatory courses in mathematics and English language arts for any student failing to meet college readiness standards. This law, in conjunction with several others, outline the framework and legal requirements of college preparation in K12 schools.

This padlet will be an overview for K12 administrators of the legal and ethical requirements of college preparation, such as the requirement outlined in the Texas Education Code § 28.014, and how the requirement of college preparation will affect the K12 setting.

As a current higher education administrator, who may potentially work as a K12 administrator, I can see the benefit and necessity of college preparation from both sides. I chose this topic because the laws and regulations for college preparation in the state of Texas are still relatively new with some, such as Texas HB 3, only beginning in 2019. The padlet will give administrators an easy access to the pertinent laws that not only impact their students, but also their districts.

]]> 2020-02-25 01:07:32 UTC https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449858080 Padlet Slide #2 Interview strammell2 https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449858784 Renee Jacinto, College, Career, & Military Readiness Specialist at University High School in Waco, Texas was interviewed about the topic of college preparation. Ms. Jacinto noted that the mandate of college preparatory courses as outlined in TEC § 28.014 has impacted the district in a big way. She said the courses have not created major challenges, but have added additional work for the district because of the necessary tracking for each student to determine if they meet the qualifications to need the course. She said other challenges, although minimal, have been finding instructors and locations for the courses because many district campuses are already maxed out on staffing and available rooms. Renee noted that the rollout of the courses was a challenge, but the additional work has since become routine, and the courses prove to be a major benefit to students.

Ms. Jacinto outlined the following best practices of ways to offer additional college preparatory resources to students:

  • The school offers a college preparatory resource, called College Cafe, twice a week for students to come by and meet with counselors and volunteers of local colleges to receive guidance on filling out FAFSA, learning to write entrance exams, and receiving preparation for the PSAT/SAT/ACT.
  • The district has become a satellite testing site for the Texas Success Initiative assessment (TSI) and prepares and tests every student in the district. Renee said it is a major benefit for students because it helps students learn about assessment testing and reduces  test anxiety for college entrance testing because students become more comfortable with taking the tests.
  • The most important best practice Ms. Jacinto listed was leaning on the outside agencies who provide resources. She referenced the district's higher education partner McLennan, the CAP Program, and the AVID teachers on campus as major assets of college preparation for her students.

A major emerging issue in college preparation for Ms. Jacinto was the new mandate in HB 3 that requires all students complete a financial aid application. She said the bill provides specific concerns for her district because she has a large undocumented student population. She noted that although she understands the desire for ensuring students have the financial college preparation in place to be successful, many of her student's families are concerned about how it could negatively affect them because of their undocumented status.
]]> 2020-02-25 01:09:31 UTC https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449858784 Padlet Slide #3 Professional Association strammell2 https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449858994 The Texas Association for School Administrators (TASA) has expanded their training material of House Bill 5, which later became TEC § 28.014, to include iTunes U. The training tool allows educators from around the state to submit audio and video resources related to the mandated college preparatory courses to be considered for inclusion in TASA's iTunes U training material. The training tool provides district administrators and teachers a means for professional development in the field, as well as, an alternate teaching method for students taking the courses.

TASA. (n.d.). Expansion of TASA on iTunes U to assist districts with HB 5 requirement. Retrieved from https://tx01923126.schoolwires.net/site/Default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&PageID=1&ViewID=6446ee88-d30c-497e-9316-3f8874b3e108&FlexDataID=871]]> 2020-02-25 01:10:03 UTC https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449858994 Padlet Slide #4 Current News Articles strammell2 https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449859157 With the ever growing demands in college admission, many students are looking for innovative ways to increase college preparatory activities outside the structure of their traditional school day. Some options, such as newly popular paid summer programs, create ethical dilemmas in regard to college preparation.

  • The programs typically cost thousands of dollars which puts students from low-income households at an academic disadvantage because they may not be able to afford to go.
  • The programs typically emphasize that they are designed for high-achieving students which is a potential disadvantage to first-generation students, students from families of low-socio economic status, and students with learning disabilities because they are deemed at-risk students and traditionally produce lower grades.
  • School districts should be adequately equipped to provide equal opportunities to students who do not have the ability to pay for them.

Roth, K. (2020). For some high-schoolers, summer camp is for college prep. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/wireStory/high-schoolers-summer-camp-college-prep-68747924

]]> 2020-02-25 01:10:28 UTC https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449859157 Padlet Slide #5 Current News Articles strammell2 https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449859448
  • As outlined in the interview with Renee Jacinto, Texas' mandate that all students fill out financial aid applications is a college preparation requirement necessary for high school graduation as of the 2021-2022 school year.
  • When the requirement was first rolled out in Louisiana, the state's FAFSA completion ratio increased by 25% making a quarter of the state's seniors more financially prepared for college than in years past.
  • Financial college preparation in Texas has not been high in recent years, with only around 55% of students taking advantage of financial aid applications.
  • The states of Texas and Louisiana both feel as though the college preparatory requirement will increase higher education enrollment in their respective states.

    • Kreighbaum, A. (2019). Texas becomes second state to require FAFSA completion. Retrieved from https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2019/07/10/texas-becomes-second-state-require-fafsa-completion
    ]]>     2020-02-25 01:11:17 UTC https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449859448     Padlet Slide #6 Original Sources of Law strammell2 https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449859727 College Preparatory Courses
    • College Preparatory Courses, Texas Education Code § 28.014
    • Statutory Law
    • https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.28.htm
    • The law was designed as a way to provide more opportunity for high school students to focus on college preparation and career interests, and less time on end of course exams by altering curriculum requirements. The law provided specific endorsement achievements that students could receive by taking more credits in subject fields like science and math. The law also mandated the requirement of a college preparatory course in the subject fields of English language arts and math for students not meeting the benchmark requirements of college readiness. The purpose and drive for the law was to develop student interest in careers and prepare them for college.
    ]]>     2020-02-25 01:12:00 UTC https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449859727     Padlet Slide #7 Original Sources of Law strammell2 https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449860101 San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez
    • San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez, 411 US 1 (1973)
    • Judicial Law
    • https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/411/1/#tab-opinion-1950219
    • The case was the foundational drive for creating financial equality among school districts in Texas. Rodriguez argued that the states educational funding system was unconstitutional, and violated the rights of at-risk students in low-income districts because they had less access to materials and resources that would adequately prepare them for career or college. The court ordered that the state's funding system was not unconstitutional because it does not    "systematically discriminate" against all poor people. 
    ]]>     2020-02-25 01:13:11 UTC https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449860101     Padlet Slide #8 Original Sources of Law strammell2 https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449860195 Curriculum Requirements
    • Curriculum Requirements, 19. Tex. Admin. Code §74.6
    • Administrative Law
    • http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter074/ch074a.html
    • 19 TAC §74.6 was a result of the 79th Texas Legislature’s requirement that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Education Agency create an alignment between the knowledge and skills learned in secondary education and the standards necessary for a student to be successful in college-level work. The purpose of the administrative law was to improve student success in college.
    ]]>     2020-02-25 01:13:29 UTC https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449860195     Padlet Slide #9 Original Sources of Law strammell2 https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449860246 Texas House Bill 3
    • Texas School Finance, HB 3, 86th Leg., R.S. (2019)
    • Statutory Law
    • https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/86R/billtext/pdf/HB00003F.pdf#navpanes=0
    • The law outlines a new state mandate in financial college preparatory practices. With Texas HB 3, all high school seniors are required to complete a financial aid application as a requirement of high school graduation. The law allows students to use FAFSA, TAFSA, or a signed opt-out option to meet the requirement. The law was designed as a tool to help students utilize available funding  by providing mandated financial college preparation in hopes of increasing enrollment in higher education.
    ]]>     2020-02-25 01:13:37 UTC https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449860246     Padlet Slide #10 Local Administrative Law/Policy/Rule strammell2 https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449860762 Waco ISD, although not an official Early College High School, offers an accelerated program for high school students that allows them to earn up to a full associate degree by high school graduation. As a requirement for entry into the program, the ISD created a rule that requires all students joining the program to take part in a two week summer camp that is designed to prepare them for the Texas Success Initiative (TSI), a college exam that determines each student's ability to successfully complete college-level work. Attendance for the camp is mandatory to ensure that all students are receiving the college preparatory materials necessary for the students to not only perform well on the exam, but also in their college coursework.

    Waco Independent School District. (n.d.). Advanced Academics / Accelerate: Early Degree Program. Retrieved from https://www.wacoisd.org/Page/6493]]>     2020-02-25 01:15:05 UTC https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449860762     Padlet Slide #11 Ethical Principle strammell2 https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449860956 Sub-section (d) under section A.3 of the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors states that data will be used to “determine needed interventions, which are then delivered to help close the information, attainment, achievement and opportunity gaps” (ASCA, 2016). This specific ethical standard directly aligns with the legal requirements of college preparatory coursework in the state of Texas because the state uses benchmarks to determine each student’s ability to be successful in college, also known as college readiness, and then uses the data to make educational improvements for those students. Data is gathered to determine which students failed to meet the college readiness standards and those students are then placed in a college preparatory course, as mandated by TEC § 28.014, that provides intervention to make college readiness attainable.

     ASCA. (2016). ASCA ethical standards for school counselors. Alexandria, VA. Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/Ethics/EthicalStandards2016.pdf

    ]]>     2020-02-25 01:15:26 UTC https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449860956     Padlet Slide #12 Non-Law Source strammell2 https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449861252 The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has created a guide that is designed as a way to explain all of the pertinent information regarding House Bill 5, which later became TEC § 28.014, so administrators can gain an in-depth understanding of the law and know how to best implement it in their districts. The guide provides information about how and who can receive credit for the state mandated college preparatory courses, who is eligible to take them, and the impact of assessment testing on the determination of successful course completion. 

    Texas Education Agency. (n.d.). HB 5: Other frequently asked questions. Retrieved from https://tx01923126.schoolwires.net/cms/lib/TX01923126/Centricity/Domain/175/external/collegeprep-faq.pdf]]>     2020-02-25 01:16:11 UTC https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449861252     Padlet Slide #13 Bulleted list of Recommendations / Best Practices for Compliance strammell2 https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449861452 With the requirements of TEC §28.014, Texas HB 3, and 19 TAC §74.6 it is evident that school districts have distinct requirements of college preparation. Districts can use these outlined best practices as a way to ensure they are meeting the requirements of educational and financial college preparation.
    1.   Develop a strong relationship with the district's institution of higher education (IHE) partner. This partner will be able to help align college course standards with the knowledge and skills of secondary education as outlined in 19 TAC §74.6, provide resources like FAFSA workshops to meet the requirements in Texas HB 3, and help develop college preparatory courses as required by TEC §28.014.
    2. Take the necessary steps to become a TSI testing site. This will allow the district to not only determine "college readiness" through the TSI benchmark as outlined in TEC §28.014, but also potentially reduce test anxiety for students anxious about collegiate testing.
    3. Host FAFSA and TAFSA workshops on evenings to allow student and parent participation. With the graduation requirement of financial aid applications in Texas HB 3, it will be a necessity to provide families with a means to complete the requirement on campus because all families may not have access to computers or internet at home.
    4. Develop tracking instruments to ensure that all students required to take college preparatory courses, as outline in TEC §28.014, are meeting the requirement. Electronic tracking instruments such as Excel spreadsheets or district databases would allow for easier access to information.
    5. Gain access to the financial aid data of your district students in College Board (Kreighbaum, 2019). Although the financial aid application requirement does not go into effect until the 2021-2022 school year, it may be beneficial for districts to start monitoring the percentage of completion for their districts now. This would give valuable information into how much work the district will need to do to be in compliance with the law, and ensure that all students will be eligible to graduate in the 21-22 school year.
    6. Host PSAT/ACT/SAT camps for free on high school campuses. This would reduce the achievement gap between high and low-income families on these tests, and provide all students with equal opportunities of educational success.

    ]]>     2020-02-25 01:16:38 UTC https://padlet.com/strammell2/98cto2r1s1fe/wish/449861452