The focus of the interview was college readiness. According to Ms. Real, one of the most impactful issues related to law is confidentiality. This is true specifically when working with undocumented students on FAFSA and TAFSA and when working with students who are dealing with dependency status. Now that FAFSA filing is a graduation requirement written into Texas code, that is a big part of what the school counselor deals with legally. 

Best practices for college preparation:

·         Ensure the program for implementing the FAFSA requirement has all necessary forms and staff prepared with trainings.

·         Make students aware about graduating with a 22-credit diploma versus a 26-credit (with endorsements) diploma and the impact that has on financial aid and admissions. Requires forms for 22-credit plan.

·         Keep a strong network of other school counselors to help stay informed about best practices and regularly attending trainings and other professional development on the topic.

The biggest emerging issue is the FAFSA requirement is new. They are not encouraging the opt out form currently but foresee it as changing in the future since the aid will be in competition in a way it has never been before. Certain students should also be able to opt out of financial aid and should not be pressured to submit information. In the case of undocumented students submitting information may end up harming the student in the end and should be able to easily opt out. As it stands if the student is under eighteen they need parent consent.

·         14% of them never received information about financial aid from school

·         Do not assume that students know about financial aid or how to get in to college. Many  of them will be doing this for the first time in their families. There may not be a family member for them to get advice from.

·         Include their parents in the informational sessions. This also parents to also ask questions about programs

·         College success is more than just getting in. Help students with study, communication, and organizational skills. 

https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/3-ways-to-convince-students-to-be-the-first-in-their-families-to-attend-college/2022/01

Najarro, I. (2022, January 18). 3 Ways to Help Students to Be the First in Their Families to Attend College. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/3-ways-to-convince-students-to-be-the-first-in-their-families-to-attend-college/2022/01

·         Exemptions include guardian can sign opt-out, aged 18 or older student may sign opt-out, school counselor may sign opt-out

·         Form must be available in English, Spanish, and any other language most students use

·         School counselor reports compliance

·         Compliance requires committee of counselor, administrator, and other stakeholders to implement the plan

·         Must report how many students filed aid and how many students declined

(2 TEC § 28.0256)

2 Tex. Edu. Code § 28.0256.

·         FAFSA requirement beginning in the 2021-2022 school year

·         Distinguished level diploma requirements

·         Endorsements requirements and opt-out instructions

·         Transfer student conditions

·         Appropriate electives choices

·         Dual credit and AP requirements

·         Lists of all required courses under the Foundation diploma

·         Lists of offered endorsements and requirements

·         Performance acknowledgment conditions

(19 TAC § 74.11)

Graduation Requirements, 19. Tex. Admin. Code § 74.11

·         Implement college credit programs including AP, IB, dual credit, and CTE courses

·         Parameters of working with outside institutions for these types of credit are explained

·         Contracts and memorandums of agreement are required to detail program components

·         Requirements of notification to parents and students about college level programs

·         Electives pertaining to the bible and Hebrew studies 

·         Instruction on interactions with law enforcement

·         College preparatory courses

·         End of Course assessments

·         Instruction to students in grade seven or eight in preparing for high school, college, and career

·         Personal graduation plans

(2 TEC § 28.008 - 16)

2 Tex. Edu. Code § 28.008 - 16.

(Every Student Succeeds Act, 2015)

Every Student Succeeds Act, 20 U.S.C. § 6301 (2015). 

·         Review laws and policies quarterly for any changes and ensure compliance with laws

·         Attend professional development training on FAFSA and any other college and career readiness topics

·         Advocate and support academic achievement and social development of all students

·         Provide staff development to teachers on how to support career and college goals

·         Hold education information nights for parents for dual-enrollment courses and other advanced courses and promote parent and student awareness of Career Technical Education (CTE) career pathways 

·         Teach employability skills on topics such as collaboration, problem-solving, self-management, planning and organization, professionalism in the workplace, interviewing skills, and resume writing

·         Utilize needs assessments to determine student and family needs to best utilize resources

·         Provide information and strategies on how parents can support their student’s educational goals

·        Stay informed on a variety of relevant through professional organizations