Concept Map 1 Abstract 2 Introduction 2 Background Review 3 Schools and Programs that Succeed 7 Suggestions Based on Researched Solutions 10 Proposed Methods 11 Data Collection Tools 17 Outline for Online Survey/Questionnaire 17 Survey 1: Online High School Senior Exit SAPS 17 Survey 2: Online Two and Four Year High School Graduate SAPS 21 Survey 3: Online Six, Eight and Ten Year High School Graduate SAPS 26 Survey 4: College Survey Questions 29 Survey 5: Business Survey Questions 29 Survey 6: Survey for Parents 30 Work Cited 31
November 2013 1 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success
November 2013 2 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success Abstract This research proposal is setup to analyze and create effective solutions connected to student college and/or career success. Investigations were made detailing the state of current district academics, social emotional learning and professional skills/abilities necessary for high academic achievement. One proposed data collection method includes a 10 year longitudinal survey/questionnaire using current and future senior class cohorts. Other methods involve surveys for parents, colleges and local businesses/industry. Another method involves correlating student GPAs from records found in guidance databases. Data provided by each of these methods will enhance Glen Cove High Schools ability to solve issues while aligning curriculum and instruction for college and/or career readiness. Reevaluations will occur to ensure accuracy of collected data. Action plans will hopefully branch from this research and result in having positive outcomes for all students. Introduction Many of our school systems are abundant with opportunity. Free will and choice are a cherished and exercised right given to students who are interested in topics outside the realm of Regents requirements. Often these courses are orchestrated in a manner that align with topics or subjects that stem from core classes. This gives students a fair chance to look deeper into what interest them. It is often thought that these courses are designed to broaden a students outlook on the world today; with the eventuality of pursuing or rejecting this potential career path. Either way, the goal is to provide a background in knowledge and experiences which will enhance any students chance of being college and career ready. The NYS Board of Regents has made it clear that all students must obtain a minimum exposure to certain courses during their educational tenure. Studying in these areas often require a slightly more rigorous approach to learning knowledge and skills. Students are exposed to a variety of information while depth in topics tends to be rather shallow. Having a minimum understanding of necessary skills is highly important in the eyes of the state as well as most public institutions and industry. Philosophically, being exposed and successfully obtaining a variety of information early on can offer more choice in ones adulthood.
November 2013 3 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success The challenge and primary goal is to create a school environment where students are offered the highest caliber of education. The curriculum of schools varies greatly in that some schools have success providing many elective options to their students, while others do not. Schools structured with the rigid fundamentals in core courses also have the same fate in terms of success. Most notably a rigorous curriculum will ensure that students are exposed to the many responsibilities necessary to successfully survive in society. Much of our society invests in the understanding that a K-12 education will help their children obtain the American dream, which is social mobility. However, at the government level this view is shared with a combined effort to make all students are college and/or career ready. The goal set for our students is to successfully find a niche in our society that provides a common good or service. Success is measured, most typically, as having a profession that provides all domestic necessities. There are several questions that this research attempts to investigate. Are general elective courses essential in increasing the likelihood that a student will be college and career ready, or should the curricular focus be on maintaining a sequence in core and AP subjects? Does the rigorousness of curriculum weigh more on student preparation than enrolling in many general electives? Furthermore, what college and career readiness skills lack implementation in our district? How can we reinforce and use our current resources to increase student preparation and future academic success? Background Review Creating an environment that is college and career ready should exhibit characteristics which allow for every student to have the same exposure to fundamental learning. Creating two separate paths for individuals only subjugates one group. Giving the opportunity to take rigorous courses will give all students an opportunity to excel in thinking and problem solving, whether for a college or career path (Hooker and Brand, 2009). Our society is ripe with opportunity, but to take advantage of this students increasingly need a postsecondary education. Providing for oneself needs to come as a result of having knowledge and skills originating from a common set of core standards. It has been unfortunate that as of the most recent decade, much of learning has revolved around the notion of earning good grades and passing tests rather than higher level thinking.
November 2013 4 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success Areas that have been neglected center around reading, writing and math which meet college expectations. In the most recent shift to performance based standards the focus has been on the number of courses taken rather than the quality or rigor of those courses (Mueller and Gozali- Lee, 2013). This current trend has been a result of high schools adhering to accountability systems put in place that require meeting minimum standards for graduation. There is a conflict of responsibility to these students. New federal regulations require that students be college and career ready (CCR), but NYS standards require a minimum proficiency to obtain a Regents diploma, with no designation. The new college and career readiness standards set in place provide no increase of state controlled minimum proficiencies. It is up to the state and local school districts to raise the standards of skills for students, so that CCR goals are met. The U.S. government does define what a rigorous academic path is, but States are not required to assimilate all of this into mandatory graduation requirements. The disconnected goals further manifest themselves in the lack of communication by local school districts with college and business leaders in the community, ensuring an adequate curriculum is in place. Our district sometimes meets the minimum requirements for graduation like many others who wish to find the fastest way to create graduates (Mueller and Gozali-Lee, 2013). Currently our graduation rate fell below AYP and the previous years data has not been released by the state for comparison. Missing AYP another year in a row will classify the us as a school in need of improvement. The issues have not been addressed with the faculty, and therefore many in the building are clueless to this problem. Little initiative has been taken to solve this issue, and we lean towards achieving the minimum Regents requirement for a sizeable amount of students. There are many solutions to this problem. It needs to first start with a strong academic foundation where community members and parents are active stakeholders toward student achievement. It is clear that our current requirements are not preparing these students for CCR goals. Future trends show that we must realign our school initiatives and vision towards this goal. Figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that, by 2018, 63% of all new and replacement jobs will require at least some college education. In contrast, in 1973, 72% of available jobs required no more than a high school education (Perna and Jones, 2013). Our students who are graduating next year will be potential candidates for positions available in 2018, with a four year college degree. Our current freshmen will be graduating high school the
November 2013 5 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success year prior to this final estimate. The time is now to analyze, critique and gather data on our curriculum, instruction and community involvement strategies. An effective strategy is necessary for the future well-being of our students. There are several of strategies, which we can implement, that have adequately created environments which allow students to grow. The strategies come from two main categories being social emotional learning/applied skills and rigorous high school coursework. Other strategies will involve parents, colleges, businesses and students to gather further academic insight. It should be our goal to give students the necessary emotional and professional skills to succeed. More importantly, skills are not purely based on regurgitating knowledge, but thinking. This has become an unfortunate casualty to high-stakes testing. The predicament is being created when teaching to the test is seen as a good career move. The current CCSS standards are also expressed in a manner concordant largely with testing and memorization, rather than thinking. It is necessary to come up with a plan that injects thinking into the relatively non- rigorous standardized curriculum. Social emotional learning and skills provide a precise base to which many academic pillars can form. There are a myriad of skills desired by employers nationwide. The three that stick out highest are professionalism/work ethic, teamwork/collaboration, and oral communication. Hooker and Brand (2009) point out other skills that employers want which include adaptability, analytical abilities, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, integrity, responsibility, organizational skills, and a willingness to learn. These skills are not just good for business, but are also good for academics. These critical skills assist students in overall competence. Increased social capacity gives them confidence to pass exams and engage in pursuing college and career paths. Success has been seen by implementing these skills into the classroom and throughout the school environment. Participation in SEL [social emotional learning] programs was associated with positive impacts on six major student outcomes, including improved SEL skills, attitudes toward self and others, social behavior, and academic performance as well as reduced conduct problems and emotional distress. The impact on academic performance translated to an 11 percentile point gain in students achievement test scores (Dymnick, Yoel and Sambolt, 2013).
November 2013 6 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success Our objective should be to ensure that all students receive instruction relating to these skills. Performing well in these areas indicates higher academic performance, but more importantly it also increases student self-efficacy. Building self-reliance increases the likelihood that students will try new experiences and take healthy risks toward being successful. For all students it is beneficial to see the connections between what they are learning and how it translates in the real world. Quintessentially, students can see how skills are used by adults in successfully obtaining a degree or certificate from a postsecondary institution. Coupling SEL with a rigorous academic curriculum gives students the ability to handle new challenges which will better their chances in a college or career. There is a direct correlation to students who take challenging curriculum paths and those who do not. First, here is the definition of a rigorous curriculum path by the U.S. Department of Education, At least 4 years of English and mathematics (including Precalculus), 3 years of science (including biology, chemistry, and physics) and social studies, 3 years of foreign language, and one honors/AP course or AP test score (U.S. Department of Education, 2002). Comparing this to NYS, a basic Regents diploma requires, 22 units of credit distributed as follows: 4 ELA, 4 Social Studies, 3 Science, 3 Mathematics, Health, 1 Arts, 1 Language other than English (LOTE), 2 Physical Education, 3 Electives. Assessments: 5 required Regents exams with a score of 65 or better as follows: 1 Math, 1 Science, ELA, Global History and Geography, US History and Government (NYSED - Diploma, 2013). The NYS requirements specifically require one mathematics Regents exam to be passed for a basic Regents diploma. However, three math exams need to be passed for a Regents diploma with advanced designation. There is no requirement outlining exact science courses which need to be taken by all individuals, except for living environment. This leaves it up to the local control of how they would like to plan out the last 2 credits of science and course sequences in other subjects. The NYS requirement also reflects a rigorousness deficit of 2 credits of language. The State also leaves open ended a provision for 3.5 credits to be acquired anywhere (NYSED - Regents, 2013). To provide a rigorous curriculum as defined by the U.S. DOE, students should only have 2 credits left to student choice, not 3.5 credits. This would leave availability for AP or IB courses taken in junior and senior years. Students who enroll in a rigorous academic curriculum are more likely to succeed, 71% of students who enroll [in rigorous programs] in high school will persist to complete a bachelors
November 2013 7 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success degree (Tierney, Colyar and Corwin, 2003). Furthermore, taking a challenging curriculum reduces by 50 percent the gap in college completion rates between high-income and low-income students (Gandall, Peltzman and Wiener, 2008). The strongest correlations come from analyzing statistics generated by students taking higher level mathematics. Students whose highest levels of mathematics in high school were trigonometry, pre-calculus, or calculus level courses had bachelors degree completion rates above 60 percent. For students who [just] completed a calculus course [the] completion rate was 83 percent (Martinez and Klopott, 2005). This was irrespective of other courses that these students took. For assumptive purposes, these students who excel at mathematics may also excel in other subjects. This may be why 70% of students completing a rigorous academic path go on to obtain a bachelors degree. Furthermore, math also correlated to higher earnings after college and thus can be deemed as a good indicator for career success: The math courses that students take in high school are strongly related to students earnings around 10 years later, even after taking account of demographic, family, and school characteristics, as well as the students high educational degree attained, college major, and occupation More advanced math courses have a larger effect on earnings than less advanced ones. Our results suggest that a curriculum that includes algebra and geometry is systematically related to higher earnings for graduates a decade after graduation (Rose and Betts, 2004). In summation, students who are provided the opportunity to excel above the minimum State requirements will show improved success at completing college and obtaining a future career which will provide them long-term stability. Schools and Programs that Succeed The demographics of our high school exhibit a great and powerful diversity of individuals. This district is a strong melting pot of cultures and ethnic backgrounds which lend it to positive and constructive interpersonal skills. Beyond that our school needs to offer opportunities that extend into as well as out of the high school classroom. Our district has a demographic breakdown of 1% American Indian or Alaska Native, 12% Black or African American, 45% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Asian or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, 38% White and 1% Multiracial (NYSED - School Report Card, 2013). There are three schools with
November 2013 8 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success similar demographics which have success implementing higher learning aimed at college and career readiness. They all have similar demographics and offer programs that prepare students for higher achievement and well-being. They are Gateway to College (alternative high school) in Rockville, Maryland, Annandale High School (comprehensive high school) in Fairfax County, Virginia, and George Washington High School (comprehensive high school) in Denver, Colorado. Each of these schools brings a similar set of skills that provide support and opportunity for all of their enrolled students (Eugene, O., 2009). The Gateway to College high school offers individual students the opportunity to take part in a college bound track that they would have otherwise never had completed in a comprehensive high school. Their demographic breakdown is as follows: 1% Asian, 20% African American, 15% Latino, 3.3% Multiracial and 60% White. This alternative location provides students with an environment which fosters several key elements. Students have the opportunity to overcome social and economic barriers by enrolling in a program that offers dual credit. Students are simultaneously earning high school credit whilst accumulating college credits. The Gateway to College partners with Montgomery Community College where students may wish to enroll after graduation in one of its three campuses. This school is designed with a national framework in mind that replicates the college experience. Basic foundation courses bring students up to speed on reading, writing and math. Above this they also offer specialized courses in career development and college survival skills. This program offers a sense of rehabilitation since many of the students indicate that they are from homes where education is not a valued priority. The school ensures that extra emphasis is put on why certain behaviors are necessary for college and career success. Students have responded positively to this environment and had reported that attending college classes forces them to, abandon sloppy work habits when it quickly becomes clear they will fail without adjusting to higher standards (Eugene, O., 2009). The average cohort size is about 60 students. Of these students 35% of them graduate, approximately 20 per year (Gateway, 2013). This program does show some success for students that would have otherwise dropped out of school. In another case, the Annandale High School in Fairfax, Virginia is great example with similar demographics. As of 2011-12, Annandale's student body was 32.28% Hispanic, 23.97% White, 24.97% Asian, 16.37% Black and 2.41% other (FCPS, 2012). This school boasts a
November 2013 9 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success successful graduation rate of 97% (Annandale, 2011). Of this amount, 91% go on to attend either a two or four year college. The school does offer some AP courses, but it primarily uses the IB curriculum to garner college readiness. From the last available statistics in 2006-07, 40% of 11 th and 12 th graders successfully passed an IB course. A mainstay of the school is that it offers open enrollment for all challenging courses. There is also a tremendously helpful Student Achievement Model (SAM) program. This is a small learning community within the school that offers small class sizes, extended learning opportunities (ELO) and nearby counseling support for struggling individuals. The ELO provides services such as the state assessment boot camp and other enrichment activities; such as SAT prep, college campus visits, taking career assessments and advice on selecting college prep courses. This is not open to all students. Individuals must apply to the program and the focus for enrolling is on those who have not quite lived up to their full academic potential. Lastly, Annandale is very supportive of its parents who have difficulty speaking English. Present at many school events is a group of part-time parent liaisons that speak a total of 10 different languages. The school also offers a free transitional school for parents of Annandale students who wish to learn English (Eugene, O., 2009). The last comparable school district with similar student structure is George Washington High School. Here the demographic breakdown is 4% Asian, 46% African American, 21% Latino, 0.3% Native American and 28% White. This district has adopted a similar strategy for success. Students here are part of a certified IB school with 33% of the student body attending these courses. There are also 10 AP courses being offered by the district. This schools success is attributed to innovative professional development, teacher collaboration practices, supplemental academic programs, and a focus on building students contextual skills and awareness. In particular, one supplemental program is a key resource for helping students that are struggling with earning credit. There is an after school program on school grounds which is funded by Denver Public Schools (DPS). Students pay a fee to gain access, and upon successfully completing courses they are fully refunded. This clause was created to incentivize the students to work towards getting their money back. This program has ushered many individuals toward graduation. Another program that offers help is their writing lab. This is directly staffed by former English teachers who are paid out of a special school fund. Furthermore, the school has created
November 2013 10 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success two highly useful enrichment resources, The Future Center and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) courses. The Future Center provides students with a full-time college guidance counselor and many ways to learn about specific skills and opportunities related to postsecondary success. About 50-60 students are enrolled in the AVID courses. This survival skills course offers students ways to learn successfully in a college environment. It has paid off well for George Washington H.S. (Eugene, O., 2009). Graduation statistics from 2011 and 2012 showed a 6% increase of students obtaining their diploma in four years. Secondly, of those who graduated in 2011 and 2012 the statistics showed a 9% reduction of remedial courses taken in college (Colorado State Report Card, 2011). Suggestions Based on Researched Solutions Quintessentially, several recommendations can be made based on the best practices of successful schools highlighted and alluded to in this review. Here is a list of suggestions to entertain in the future. Provide assistance and education on filling out FAFSA forms. Those who filled out a FAFSA were 50% more likely to enroll in a two or four year college than students, who were academically able, and did not (Kirst and Meister, 1985). A culture centered on going to college with unabashed community support. A support structure for students struggling to earn credit. Developing fundamental skills such as reasoning, problem solving and research. Providing sufficient scaffolding and support for all students to reach high expectations. Drafting a core academic program which aligns with college and career readiness standards. Course selection should be reduced, so options for students are fully focused on college and postsecondary success. College expectations should be integrated into creating assignments and grading policies. Promoting self-management skills. Socially preparing students to cope with new and complex environments. Building partnerships and collaborating with postsecondary schools and businesses; allowing for a dual credit opportunity (Brand, 2009).
November 2013 11 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success The data mined, from our current constituents in the district and abroad, will give us a better understanding how we can successfully implement some or maybe all of these college and career readiness suggestions. Proposed Methods It is best to keep an open mind, but collection of data should be analyzed with a lens that adheres to previously researched examples. Data collected from alumni, parents, colleges, businesses and onsite databases will represent information tailored to our districts specific culture, needs and issues. Collection of this data will effectively create a resource base of key topics and concerns. A top priority is to disaggregate this information to culminate a solution focused on college and career readiness. To ensure participation of all parties involved, it is crucial that students are recognized as an integral part of increasing their former high schools capacity to initiate future student success. Students over the course of 10 years will anonymously share quantitative and qualitative data through specific survey questions. Student names will only be used to mail out access codes for completing questions in an online survey. When circumstances arise or upon request we can generate a physical copy to participants. Personal identification information, other than graduation year, will not be linked after receipt of completed survey materials. It is not necessary for them to leave a name, but a current mailing and/or e-mail address allows us to provide them with future survey access codes, if they forget or need a reminder. Occasionally, we may also need to send out messages asking about any anticipatory movement, so that we can make sure future information will be correctly delivered. Keeping track of total responses will be based on cohort size. We will match the number of surveys received with the total number of students in that cohort. The data collection process will begin with our current high school seniors who will receive an exit survey, at the end of the year, gauging their overall educational well-being. The Skills, Abilities and Preparedness Survey (SAPS) will foster answer choices by using a value range from one to five for each question (See Surveys 1 - 3). Specifically each value will indicate a level of satisfaction. Subjectively, participants selecting a value of one will correspond to strongly agree, two is agree, three is neutral, four is disagree and five is strongly
November 2013 12 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success disagree. Questions requiring a written answer of specific data will be structured for user friendliness. Participants will also share measurable information regarding demographic (to ensure the district is providing equal opportunity to all ethnic and cultural backgrounds) and the number of completed AP, Regents and general elective high school courses in math, science, history and English. A section at the end of the survey will allow students to offer opinions regarding their experiences with the schools quality of education. This will be given to each consecutive senior class and data will continue to be collected as a cohort for future interpretation and implementation. Data can also be used as a basis to develop local trends related to rigor of coursework, college entrance and effectiveness of classroom skills training. It is important to continue surveying for trends by reaching out to each senior class two and four years later. Obtaining data from these individuals will provide feedback which may or may not vindicate our efforts to successfully prepare students. Our former students at this point will be in a stage of life representing several years of postsecondary education or career experience. At this point it is important that survey questions are highly reflective on skills and abilities acquired during high school. Target areas will see if our efforts were beneficial toward mentally preparing them for higher education or the work force. Depending on individual choice and circumstances in life, we need to have initial data which indicates who is in college, has left college or is currently employed. First, alumni will answer a questionnaire section regarding highest level of education obtained (thus far and if applicable), demographic, the number of college courses taken in math, science, history and English, current sector of employment and general range of earned yearly income (if applicable). We would like to collect information on college enrollment data to see where we can align and provide similar courses to prep them for course success. They will again answer questions that were on the first senior exit survey which focused on social emotional learning skills and abilities. After the initial SAPS section, their education/economic status responses to will guide them into questions related to their educational preparation. At the end there will be a place to offer any written opinions or reflections. This feedback and data will be useful for comparing and contrasting the curriculum offered in our district. Developing a beneficial environment in high school, that aligns with similar college curriculums, is essential for successful postsecondary achievement. Feedback on
November 2013 13 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success skills and abilities learned in the district will further enhance our perspective on adult preparation. This feedback is also highly important to share with teachers, so that faculty can collaborate and align their instruction of curriculum closer to the most necessary skills and abilities. Amendments to our overall curriculum may be necessary to provide a foundation for individuals to take many college subjects and successfully complete them. This could include eliminating or overhauling courses that have been earmarked as too easy. Based on current trends of this economy, it is important to see how our former students are doing at the six, eight and ten year mark. At these milestones our former students could be in employment or working toward a graduate degree/certification. We would like to see if and how we may have contributed to their possible success. It is prudent to note that many variables exist and do occur between high school and college which may enhance or inhibit success. These instances ought not to reflect on the districts capacity since outside factors may contribute. Nevertheless, its worth noting any valuable data at these stages of life which we can obtain from them. Again, alumni will answer a questionnaire section regarding highest level of education obtained, demographic, the number of college courses taken in math, science, history and English (targeting new data from graduate degree/certification candidates), current sector of employment and general range of earned yearly income (if applicable). The SAPS section will be reduced to skills and abilities which are career focused. At this point the participants had time to socially interact as adults, and either increased proficiency in their SEL skills or learned them along the way. Our reach of influence is limited due to unique environmental conditions that each person experiences. There will be a final section available for personal reflection or comment which is at the discretion of the participant to fill in. At years six, eight and ten years we may see how maturity and experiences may evolve the perception of beneficial skills and abilities received during high school. Since each senior cohort will see these questions, we may also witness how generations of students will put emphasis on different qualities of their education. Ultimately, showing us where we may adjust the curriculum/instruction of the school. Over the long-term, compiling information in a sequential and repeating fashion will allow for a steady flow of data which can be analyzed and implemented, with college and career readiness in mind.
November 2013 14 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success Beyond surveys it is just as important to tap resources we currently have established in the district. Initially data must be gathered to look at the track most students are taking to obtain credit and reorient these courses. Offerings should be more rigorous and beneficial after high school. This may involve revising or eliminating elective courses, so that students are not gravitating towards the path of least resistance. We need data to create ratios of student GPA to course enrollment in electives. This data will give us a modest understanding of students who are struggling and most critically at risk of either not graduating or attending postsecondary education. Among other options, we can then implement a plan of action which may result in evening recovery credits. We next need to look at students who are exceling academically and choosing to take electives rather than a potentially more rigorous and beneficial path for postsecondary success. These students may need to be significantly counselled back into a rigorous sequence. A major goal is preventing a stigma that elective courses are easy. The staff and administration should collaborate on the best ways to increase their curricular integrity. Course legitimacy will be solely based on initiating higher standards in electives and finding ways to incorporate SEL and key professional skills and abilities. Collecting data from students is a slightly reactive approach to solving this problem, but over time the data collected will influence proactive decisions. These decisions will lead to effective action being taken in our schools. A proactive approach of collecting survey information from local institutions and businesses can buffer this gap of action. With survey data from collegiate institutions we can analyze if our district is heading in the right direction and look at potential improvements. Comparable districts implementing best practices have shown that aligning the curriculum to state and collegiate standards will fortify and enhance curriculum and instruction. In large part we are interested in using the scholarly advice of professors in college. Some of our many decisions will be based on their recommendations and feasibility of implementation. This information can be regarded as a significant advantage in solving our issues. Hearing from colleges what they feel is underrepresented in our curriculum will ensure that our students are receiving an appropriate education. Postsecondary success in our schools must be derived from this type of research as well as incorporating studies which have worked elsewhere. This survey information should be collected on a bi-yearly basis to ensure that curriculum being offered in the district does not become obsolete in a world where needs are evolving on an ever shorter timescale. This time span offers fresh insight and flexibility for
November 2013 15 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success implementing it successfully into school. Thus, increasing future probabilities of student success especially if teachers and support staff are trained, informed and take a genuine stake in this. (See Survey 4) Collaborative measures also need to be made with local businesses in the area, so that we can start to align curriculum around the local needs of our region. A survey should be conducted by our district involving several areas of the economy. The survey needs to be given at least bi- yearly to major industries on the Long Island that are desperate for local talent. Places of interest include Brookhaven National Lab, Grumman Aircraft, Newsday, Hospitals like North Shore LIJ and Police departments in Nassau and Suffolk County. Most importantly, we can attempt to forecast trends in the economy, so that adaptations can be made to our curriculum ensuring flexibility to changing markets. Receiving information from students, colleges and local industry will allow the district to refocus its vision and effectively prepare students for college and career readiness. (See Survey 5) The last component of successful data gathering comes from communication with parents about involvement. It is important that we initiate and work with the parental community to fully adopt a culture of success in college or a career. Our district needs to reach out to parents who may speak a foreign language or are limited in English proficiency. This is certainly probable since 28% of the city population aligns with being Hispanic (Glen Cove, 2013). It is important to reach out to them via parent liaisons. It is doubly important that we create buy in for these parents. We understand that they work very hard and access to the school during evenings may be very difficult. A survey to parents relating to meeting availability and curricular focus is critical for buy in. This shows we are mindful and empathetic toward their circumstances. Extending our access will enhance their opportunity to meet with faculty regarding the success of their student(s). Based on survey outcomes it would be best to entertain working around parent availability. A few suggestions for future reference, it may be necessary for faculty to be present and potentially reimbursed for a couple of hours, outside of the school day, that allow more parents to meet and discuss solutions for their student(s). These parent-teacher forums can be used for soliciting immediate feedback from parents via surveys, completion of forms regarding reduced lunch assistance as well as college and career advice from the guidance department. A portion of
November 2013 16 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success the time can be set aside as a workshop for parents with their children on applying and attending college. Attempting to provide flexibility to parents shows that we seriously want them involved with our school, and that we truly want whats best for their student(s). These bilingual surveys will be given to parents at the end of second quarter and fourth quarter, so that based on feedback we can adjust midyear and for the following year. This effort is necessary when studies have shown that parents play an utmost critical role in their childs future success (Hoover-Dempsey & Sander, 1995). Quintessentially, after gathering survey data from all constituents it is important to recognize trends when answers to questions are aligning among all groups and participants. These trends will become the highest priorities in the high schools curriculum and instruction reform. Pairing this information gives the district a new ability to respond quickly and accurately to societal and labor force alterations. We may also encounter at certain phases of data collection involving a decrease in participation, which may skew data trends. As a committee we will continually reevaluate possible reasons for issues like this and brainstorm solutions to maintain accuracy and participation in our long-term study. Additionally, we can display our trends via graphs of these statistics at board meetings and through digital media. These graphs will illustrate the trends and ultimately point out the direction we should be taking in the district. At that point action must be taken. The data will offer an invaluable background for creating and formulating solutions that are solely focused on preparing this districts youth for future achievement. By far, looking at data from all stakeholders in this district we can make the right curricular decisions to ensure college and career readiness.
November 2013 17 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success Data Collection Tools: Outline for Online Survey: *Section 1 Questions - Background information and initial questions *Section 2 Questions - High school social emotional well-being and skills *Section 3 Questions - Key skills and abilities related specifically to initial employment, postsecondary associates or bachelors degree success and future employment success. *Section 4 - A written response section added to each survey for participants to engage in offering opinions on their education not addressed by the survey.
Survey 1 Online High School Senior Exit SAPS - Skills, Abilities and Preparedness Survey A survey ID number will be entered prior to logging into the system to complete the questions. 1 is strongly agree, 2 is agree, 3 is neutral, 4 is disagree and 5 is strongly disagree Section 1: Certain questions will be bypassed if they do not apply to the participant. The bypass will occur when participants fill out the number of courses taken while in high school. Questions Response 1. What demographic do you most closely align with? (multiple choices) 2. Are you male or female? (pick one) 3. What is your age? (value choice) 4. What is the highest level of education for your father? Options (Less than high school, High school/GED, Some college, 2 year college degree (Associates), 4 year college degree (BA, BS), Masters degree, Doctoral degree, Professional degree (MD, JD))
5. What is the highest level of education for your mother? Options (Less than high school, High school/GED, Some college, 2 year college degree (Associates), 4 year college degree (BA, BS), Masters degree, Doctoral degree, Professional degree (MD, JD))
6. Are you attending college in the fall of this year? (yes/no) 7. Are you starting employment directly after high school? (yes/no) 8. How many AP math courses did you take? (# of courses) 9. How many AP history courses did you take? (# of courses) 10. How many AP English courses did you take? (# of courses) 11. How many AP science courses did you take? (# of courses) 12. How many sequential math courses did you take (Regents track)? (# of courses)
November 2013 18 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success 13. How many sequential history courses did you take (Regents track)? (# of courses)
14. How many sequential English courses did you take (Regents track)? (# of courses)
15. How many sequential science courses did you take (Regents track)? (# of courses)
16. How many general elective courses in math did you take? (# of courses) 17. How many general elective courses in history did you take? (# of courses) 18. How many general elective courses in English did you take? (# of courses) 19. How many general elective courses in science did you take? (# of courses) 20. There is a sufficient amount of course offerings in this school. 1 2 3 4 5 21. There are too many course offerings in this school. 1 2 3 4 5 22. You were motivated to complete high school. 1 2 3 4 5 23. You were highly motivated to attend a 2 to 4 years college. 1 2 3 4 5 24. You were motivated to take an AP elective? 1 2 3 4 5 25. I was likely to try something that challenged me. 1 2 3 4 5 26. I was likely to stay with a course when faced with a difficult curriculum. 1 2 3 4 5 27. Were you more likely to take a general elective course because it was easier? 1 2 3 4 5 28. The school culture is focused around being college and/or career ready? 1 2 3 4 5
Section 2 & 3: This section below is for all students who are graduating. Specific questions will be answered based on the data provided in the high school course questionnaire section. 1. Do you think an AP course(s) prepared you for college or a career? 1 2 3 4 5 2. Was there anyone who guided you into taking an AP elective? 1 2 3 4 5 3. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to forming positive relationships? 1 2 3 4 5 4. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to dealing directly with conflict? 1 2 3 4 5 5. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior? 1 2 3 4 5 6. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to self- awareness of ones strengths and limitations? 1 2 3 4 5 7. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to self- management of emotions and behaviors to achieve ones goals? 1 2 3 4 5 8. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to social awareness and showing an understanding and empathy for others? 1 2 3 4 5 9. Do you feel that all AP faculty members you encountered fostered these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 10. If not, was there at least one AP faculty member who exhibited these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 11. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to professionalism/work ethic? 1 2 3 4 5 12. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to 1 2 3 4 5
November 2013 19 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success teamwork/collaboration? 13. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to oral communication? 1 2 3 4 5 14. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to adaptability? 1 2 3 4 5 15. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to analytical abilities? 1 2 3 4 5 16. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to interpersonal skills? 1 2 3 4 5 17. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to problem-solving skills? 1 2 3 4 5 18. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to a willingness to learn? 1 2 3 4 5 19. Do you feel that all AP faculty members you encountered fostered these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 20. If not, was there at least one AP faculty member who exhibited these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 21. Do you feel that your sequential courses prepared you for college or a career? 1 2 3 4 5 22. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to forming positive relationships? 1 2 3 4 5 23. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to dealing directly with conflict? 1 2 3 4 5 24. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior? 1 2 3 4 5 25. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to self-awareness of ones strengths and limitations? 1 2 3 4 5 26. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to self-management of emotions and behaviors to achieve ones goals? 1 2 3 4 5 27. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to social awareness and showing an understanding and empathy for others? 1 2 3 4 5 28. Do you feel that all faculty members you encountered fostered these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 29. If not, was there at least one faculty member who exhibited these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 30. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to professionalism/work ethic? 1 2 3 4 5 31. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to teamwork/collaboration? 1 2 3 4 5 32. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to oral communication? 1 2 3 4 5 33. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to adaptability? 1 2 3 4 5 34. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an 1 2 3 4 5
November 2013 20 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success environment related to analytical abilities? 35. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to interpersonal skills? 1 2 3 4 5 36. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to integrity? 1 2 3 4 5 37. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to responsibility? 1 2 3 4 5 38. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to organizational skills? 1 2 3 4 5 39. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to a willingness to learn? 1 2 3 4 5 40. Do you feel that all faculty members you encountered fostered these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 41. If not, was there at least one faculty member who exhibited these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 42. Did you take an elective that was outside of an Advanced Regents diploma track? 1 2 3 4 5 43. Do you think your elective course(s) has prepared you for college or a career? 1 2 3 4 5 44. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to forming positive relationships? 1 2 3 4 5 45. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to dealing directly with conflict? 1 2 3 4 5 46. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior? 1 2 3 4 5 47. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to self-awareness of ones strengths and limitations? 1 2 3 4 5 48. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to self-management of emotions and behaviors to achieve ones goals? 1 2 3 4 5 49. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to social awareness and showing an understanding and empathy for others? 1 2 3 4 5 50. Do you feel that all faculty members you encountered fostered these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 51. If not, was there at least one faculty member who exhibited these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 52. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to professionalism/work ethic? 1 2 3 4 5 53. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to teamwork/collaboration? 1 2 3 4 5 54. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to oral communication? 1 2 3 4 5 55. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to adaptability? 1 2 3 4 5 56. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to analytical abilities? 1 2 3 4 5
November 2013 21 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success 57. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to interpersonal skills? 1 2 3 4 5 58. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to problem-solving skills? 1 2 3 4 5 59. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to integrity? 1 2 3 4 5 60. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to responsibility? 1 2 3 4 5 61. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to organizational skills? 1 2 3 4 5 62. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to a willingness to learn? 1 2 3 4 5 63. Do you feel that all faculty members you encountered fostered these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 64. If not, was there at least one faculty member who exhibited these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 65. Overall would you say that you are satisfied with the education you received 1 2 3 4 5
Section 4: Open Response Section 1) Do you have any further comments you would like to add regarding your overall experience in this high school? If so, please leave your response in the section provided below.
Survey 2 Online Two and Four Year High School Graduate SAPS - Skills, Abilities and Preparedness Survey A survey ID number will be entered prior to logging into the system to complete the questions. 1 is strongly agree, 2 is agree, 3 is neutral, 4 is disagree and 5 is strongly disagree Certain questions will be bypassed if they do not apply to the participant. The bypass will occur when participants fill out the number of courses taken while in high school. Section 1: Below is for individuals who are currently in college, employed or have left college. The bypass to appropriate questions will occur after entering this data.
November 2013 22 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success
Questions Responses 1. What demographic do you most closely align with? (multiple choices) 2. Are you male or female? (pick one) 3. What is your age? (value choice) 4. What year did you graduate? (value choice) 5. What is your age? (value choice) 6. Are you currently enrolled in a postsecondary educational setting? (yes/no) 7. What is the highest level of education for you have received? Options (Less than high school, High school/GED, Some college, 2 year college degree (Associates), 4 year college degree (BA, BS), Masters degree, Doctoral degree, Professional degree (MD, JD))
8. If applicable, what is the current sector of the economy in which you are employed? (multiple choice of all possibilities from built in survey creators)
9. What is the highest level of education your father received? Options (Less than high school, High school/GED, Some college, 2 year college degree (Associates), 4 year college degree (BA, BS), Masters degree, Doctoral degree, Professional degree (MD, JD))
10. What is the highest level of education your mother received? Options (Less than high school, High school/GED, Some college, 2 year college degree (Associates), 4 year college degree (BA, BS), Masters degree, Doctoral degree, Professional degree (MD, JD))
11. If applicable, what is your current gross yearly income? (multiple choice: Less than $10,000, $10,000 to $19,999, $20,000 to $29,999 and so on until $150,000 and up)
12. How many AP math courses did you take? (# of courses) 13. How many AP history courses did you take? (# of courses) 14. How many AP English courses did you take? (# of courses) 15. How many AP science courses did you take? (# of courses) 16. How many sequential math courses did you take (Regents track)? (# of courses)
17. How many sequential history courses did you take (Regents track)? (# of courses)
18. How many sequential English courses did you take (Regents track)? (# of courses)
19. How many sequential science courses did you take (Regents track)? (# of courses)
20. How many general elective courses in math did you take? (# of courses) 21. How many general elective courses in history did you take? (# of courses) 22. How many general elective courses in English did you take? (# of courses) 23. How many general elective courses in science did you take? (# of courses)
November 2013 23 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success This section below is for students who are currently and still completing a college degree. 24. How many college math courses have you taken? (# of courses) 25. How many college history courses have you taken? (# of courses) 26. How many college English courses have you taken? (# of courses) 27. How many college science courses have you taken? (# of courses)
Section 2 & 3: below is for all former students who are currently employed or in college, and based on the data provided in the course questionnaire section. 28. Do you think an AP course(s) prepared you for college or a career? 1 2 3 4 5 29. Was there anyone who guided you into taking an AP elective? 1 2 3 4 5 30. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to forming positive relationships? 1 2 3 4 5 31. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to dealing directly with conflict? 1 2 3 4 5 32. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior? 1 2 3 4 5 33. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to self- awareness of ones strengths and limitations? 1 2 3 4 5 34. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to self- management of emotions and behaviors to achieve ones goals? 1 2 3 4 5 35. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to social awareness and showing an understanding and empathy for others? 1 2 3 4 5 36. Do you feel that all AP faculty members you encountered fostered these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 37. If not, was there at least one AP faculty member who exhibited these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 38. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to professionalism/work ethic? 1 2 3 4 5 39. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to teamwork/collaboration? 1 2 3 4 5 40. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to oral communication? 1 2 3 4 5 41. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to adaptability? 1 2 3 4 5 42. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to analytical abilities? 1 2 3 4 5 43. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to interpersonal skills? 1 2 3 4 5 44. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to problem-solving skills? 1 2 3 4 5 45. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to a willingness to learn? 1 2 3 4 5 46. Do you feel that all AP faculty members you encountered fostered these 1 2 3 4 5
November 2013 24 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success environments? 47. If not, was there at least one AP faculty member who exhibited these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 48. Do you feel that your sequential courses prepared you for college or a career? 1 2 3 4 5 49. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to forming positive relationships? 1 2 3 4 5 50. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to dealing directly with conflict? 1 2 3 4 5 51. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior? 1 2 3 4 5 52. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to self-awareness of ones strengths and limitations? 1 2 3 4 5 53. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to self-management of emotions and behaviors to achieve ones goals? 1 2 3 4 5 54. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to social awareness and showing an understanding and empathy for others? 1 2 3 4 5 55. Do you feel that all faculty members you encountered fostered these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 56. If not, was there at least one faculty member who exhibited these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 57. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to professionalism/work ethic? 1 2 3 4 5 58. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to teamwork/collaboration? 1 2 3 4 5 59. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to oral communication? 1 2 3 4 5 60. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to adaptability? 1 2 3 4 5 61. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to analytical abilities? 1 2 3 4 5 62. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to interpersonal skills? 1 2 3 4 5 63. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to integrity? 1 2 3 4 5 64. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to responsibility? 1 2 3 4 5 65. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to organizational skills? 1 2 3 4 5 66. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to a willingness to learn? 1 2 3 4 5 67. Do you feel that all faculty members you encountered fostered these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 68. If not, was there at least one faculty member who exhibited these 1 2 3 4 5
November 2013 25 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success environments? 69. Did you take an elective that was outside of an Advanced Regents diploma track? 1 2 3 4 5 70. Do you think your elective course(s) has prepared you for college or a career? 1 2 3 4 5 71. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to forming positive relationships? 1 2 3 4 5 72. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to dealing directly with conflict? 1 2 3 4 5 73. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior? 1 2 3 4 5 74. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to self-awareness of ones strengths and limitations? 1 2 3 4 5 75. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to self-management of emotions and behaviors to achieve ones goals? 1 2 3 4 5 76. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to social awareness and showing an understanding and empathy for others? 1 2 3 4 5 77. Do you feel that all faculty members you encountered fostered these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 78. If not, was there at least one faculty member who exhibited these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 79. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to professionalism/work ethic? 1 2 3 4 5 80. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to teamwork/collaboration? 1 2 3 4 5 81. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to oral communication? 1 2 3 4 5 82. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to adaptability? 1 2 3 4 5 83. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to analytical abilities? 1 2 3 4 5 84. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to interpersonal skills? 1 2 3 4 5 85. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to problem-solving skills? 1 2 3 4 5 86. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to integrity? 1 2 3 4 5 87. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to responsibility? 1 2 3 4 5 88. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to organizational skills? 1 2 3 4 5 89. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to a willingness to learn? 1 2 3 4 5 90. Do you feel that all faculty members you encountered fostered these environments? 1 2 3 4 5
November 2013 26 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success 91. If not, was there at least one faculty member who exhibited these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 92. Overall would you say that you are satisfied with the education you received 1 2 3 4 5
Section 4: Open Response Section: 1) Do you have any further comments you would like to add regarding your overall experience in this high school? If so, please leave your response in the section provided below. Survey 3 Online Six, Eight and Ten Year High School Graduate SAPS - Skills, Abilities and Preparedness Survey A survey ID number will be entered prior to logging into the system to complete the questions. At this point the survey ID number will is linked to historical data regarding number of high school courses taken, so this section is no longer needed. 1 is strongly agree, 2 is agree, 3 is neutral, 4 is disagree and 5 is strongly disagree Section 1: Certain questions will be bypassed if they do not apply to the participant. The bypass will occur when participants fill out the number of courses taken while in high school. Questions Responses 1. What demographic do you most closely align with? (multiple choices) 2. Are you male or female? (pick one) 3. What is your age? (value choice) 4. What year did you graduate? (value choice) 5. What is your age? (value choice) 6. Are you currently enrolled in a postsecondary educational setting? (yes/no) 7. What is the highest level of education for you have received? Options (Less than high school, High school/GED, Some college, 2 year college degree (Associates), 4 year college degree (BA, BS), Masters degree, Doctoral degree, Professional degree (MD, JD))
8. If applicable, what is the current sector of the economy in which you are employed? (multiple choice of all possibilities from built in survey creators)
9. What is the highest level of education your father received? Options (Less than high school, High school/GED, Some college, 2 year college degree (Associates), 4 year college degree (BA, BS), Masters degree, Doctoral degree, Professional degree (MD, JD))
10. What is the highest level of education your mother received? Options (Less than high school, High school/GED, Some college, 2 year
November 2013 27 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success
This section below is for students who are currently and still completing a college degree. 12. How many college math courses have you taken? (# of courses) 13. How many college history courses have you taken? (# of courses) 14. How many college English courses have you taken? (# of courses) 15. How many college science courses have you taken? (# of courses)
Section 2 & 3: Below is for all former students who are currently employed or in college, and based on the data provided in the course questionnaire section. 16. Do you think an AP course(s) prepared you for college or a career? 1 2 3 4 5 17. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to professionalism/work ethic? 1 2 3 4 5 18. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to teamwork/collaboration? 1 2 3 4 5 19. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to oral communication? 1 2 3 4 5 20. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to adaptability? 1 2 3 4 5 21. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to analytical abilities? 1 2 3 4 5 22. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to interpersonal skills? 1 2 3 4 5 23. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to problem-solving skills? 1 2 3 4 5 24. Did you feel that the AP course(s) fostered an environment related to a willingness to learn? 1 2 3 4 5 25. Do you feel that all AP faculty members you encountered fostered these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 26. If not, was there at least one AP faculty member who exhibited these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 27. Do you feel that your sequential courses prepared you for college or a career? 1 2 3 4 5 28. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to professionalism/work ethic? 1 2 3 4 5 29. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to teamwork/collaboration? 1 2 3 4 5 30. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to oral communication? 1 2 3 4 5 college degree (Associates), 4 year college degree (BA, BS), Masters degree, Doctoral degree, Professional degree (MD, JD)) 11. If applicable, what is your current gross yearly income? (multiple choice: Less than $10,000, $10,000 to $19,999, $20,000 to $29,999 and so on until $150,000 and up)
November 2013 28 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success 31. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to adaptability? 1 2 3 4 5 32. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to analytical abilities? 1 2 3 4 5 33. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to interpersonal skills? 1 2 3 4 5 34. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to integrity? 1 2 3 4 5 35. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to responsibility? 1 2 3 4 5 36. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to organizational skills? 1 2 3 4 5 37. Did you feel that your sequential courses, for your diploma, fostered an environment related to a willingness to learn? 1 2 3 4 5 38. Do you feel that all faculty members you encountered fostered these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 39. If not, was there at least one faculty member who exhibited these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 40. Did you take an elective that was outside of an Advanced Regents diploma track? 1 2 3 4 5 41. Do you think your elective course(s) has prepared you for college or a career? 1 2 3 4 5 42. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to professionalism/work ethic? 1 2 3 4 5 43. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to teamwork/collaboration? 1 2 3 4 5 44. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to oral communication? 1 2 3 4 5 45. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to adaptability? 1 2 3 4 5 46. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to analytical abilities? 1 2 3 4 5 47. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to interpersonal skills? 1 2 3 4 5 48. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to problem-solving skills? 1 2 3 4 5 49. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to integrity? 1 2 3 4 5 50. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to responsibility? 1 2 3 4 5 51. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to organizational skills? 1 2 3 4 5 52. Did you feel that your general elective course(s) fostered an environment related to a willingness to learn? 1 2 3 4 5 53. Do you feel that all faculty members you encountered fostered these environments? 1 2 3 4 5 54. If not, was there at least one faculty member who exhibited these 1 2 3 4 5
November 2013 29 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success environments? 55. Overall would you say that you are satisfied with the education you received 1 2 3 4 5
Section 4: Response Section: 1) Do you have any further comments you would like to add regarding your overall experience in this high school? If so, please leave your response in the section provided below.
Survey 4 College Survey Questions (mailed to individuals, return fax number is provided) 1) What problem or issue, in your opinion, immediately comes to mind when specifically discussing secondary high schools, as related to student backgrounds? 2) Would you be interested in speaking with our students in the high school? 3) Would you be interested in guiding our students through the college process, if funds became available? 4) What suggestions do you have on refreshing our curriculum to fit the scope and sequence of skills and knowledge taught in your college course(s)? 5) How can we assist you in providing students with the level of education needed for students to be successful in college? 6) Would you be willing to take a tour of our school, meet with our teachers and make suggestions that could lead to increased student potential?
Survey 5 Business Survey Questions (mailed to businesses, return fax number is provided) 1) What problems or issues, in your opinion, immediately come to mind when specifically discussing secondary high schools, as related to your industry? 2) Would you be interested in speaking with students in our high school? 3) Would you be interested in interviewing students for prospective internships or work study programs? 4) How can we assist you in providing students with the level of education needed for the positions in your industry? 5) Would you be willing to take a tour of our school, meet with our teachers and make suggestions that could lead to increased student potential?
November 2013 30 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success Survey 6 Survey for Parents (A bilingual version will also be available) How would each of the proposed ideas support you and your student(s) towards college and career success? Based on the statement please choose 1 is strongly agree, 2 is agree, 3 is neutral, 4 is disagree and 5 is strongly disagree. Questions Responses 1) Create opportunities and activities for students to explore what they are really interested in doing for a career. 1 2 3 4 5 2) Have students take a skill survey for career matching. 1 2 3 4 5 3) Provide students and parents with an annual update of employment trends and job prospects. 1 2 3 4 5 4) Support families in completing college applications and financial aid paperwork. 1 2 3 4 5 5) Provide How to write an application essay as part of junior year English. 1 2 3 4 5 6) Offer or require career pathway courses in Jr. High. 1 2 3 4 5 7) Provide equal support for both 2 year and 4 year college options. 1 2 3 4 5 8) Embed service learning experience, character education, collaboration, communication and responsible citizenship skills into curriculum. 1 2 3 4 5 9) Provide clear information on H.S. graduation requirements and college acceptance requirements. 1 2 3 4 5 10) Provide tools to parents and students to connect the high school course selection to potential careers. 1 2 3 4 5 11) Develop varied college credit opportunities for high school classes in both a 2 year and 4 year career path. 1 2 3 4 5
What is the best way to communicate with families? 1) Brief, regular e-mail on timely topics for college and career readiness. 1 2 3 4 5 2) Webpage that organizes all communications for reference throughout the year. 1 2 3 4 5 3) Parent handbook and a timeline of process to plan and prepare for postsecondary school. The handbook would be provided to freshman parents and guide them through easy to follow steps. 1 2 3 4 5 4) Teachers share and discuss college and career readiness as part of parent/teacher conferences. 1 2 3 4 5 5) Meetings held at the school to walk parents through important steps like ACT testing. 1 2 3 4 5 6) Social network tools such as tweets or Twitter, Facebook or blogs and forums. 1 2 3 4 5
November 2013 31 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success Work Cited "Annandale High School Graduation Rates." Virginia Department of Education. N.p., 2011. Web. Oct 2013. < http://www.doe.virginia.gov/statistics_reports/ school_report_card/>.
Brand, Betsy. Career Academies Policy Paper, 40 Years of Informative Data. The National Career Academy Coalition. N.p., 2009. Web. Oct. 2013.
Brand, Betsy, and Sarah Hooker. Success at Every Step, How 23 Programs Support Youth on the Path to College and Beyond. American Diploma Project. N.p., 2009. Web. Oct. 2013 <http://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/cityDCD/LVP /pdf/SuccessAtEveryStep.pdf>.
Colyar, Julia E., Zoe B. Corwin, and William G. Tierney. Preparing for College: Building Expectations. Changing Realities, 2003. Web. Oct. 2013.< http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED482059.pdf>.
Dymnick, Allison, Ph.D., Kidron Yoel, Ph.D., and Sambolt Megan. Improving College and Career Readiness by Incorporating Social and Emotional Learning. American Institute for Research, 2013. Web. Oct. 2013. < http://www.betterhigh schools.org/documents/ImprovingCollegeandCareer.pdf>.
Eugene, O. Creating college readiness: Profiles of 38 schools that know how. Educational Policy Improvement Center. 2009. Web. Oct. 2013. <https://www.epiconline.org/files/pdf/Profiles.pdf>.
"FCPS - School Profiles - Annandale HS - Demographics." FCPS - School Profiles - Annandale HS - Demographics. Fairfax County Public Schools, 2012. Web. Oct. 2013. < http://commweb.fcps.edu/schoolprofile/profile.cfm?profile_id=140>.
Gandall, Matt, Alissa Peltzman, and Ross Wiener. Making College and Career Readiness the Mission for High School. A Guide for State Policymakers. Achieve and the Education Trust, 2008. Web. Oct. 2013. < http://www.achieve.org/files/ MakingCollegeandCareerReadinesstheMissionforHighSchool.pdf>.
"Gateway To College Program in Rockville, Maryland (MD)." - Test Results, Rating, Ranking, Grades, Scores, Classes, Enrollment, Teachers, Students, and Report Card. City-Data.com, n.d. 2013. Web. Oct. 2013. <http://www.city-data.com/school/ gateway-to-college-program-md.html>.
Hoover-Dempsey, Kathleen V., and Howard M. Sander. "Parental Involvement in Children's Education: Why Does It Make a Difference." Teachers College Record 97.2 (1995): 310-31. Vanderbilt University. Web. Oct. 2013.
November 2013 32 Strategies for Investigating Long-Term College and Career Success <http://www.vanderbilt.edu/peabody/family-school/papers/ childrens_education.pdf>.
Kirst, Michael W., and Gail R. Meister. "Turbulence in American Secondary Schools, What Reforms Last." Curriculum Inquiry 15.2 (1985): 169-85. Wiley. Web. Oct. 2013. < http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/1179438?uid= 3739832&uid=2&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21103001486117>.
Martinez, Monica, Ph.D., and Shayna Klopott. "The Link Between High School Reform and College Access and Success for Low-Income and Minority Youth." Teachers College, Columbia University. The Knowledge Works Foundation, 2005. Web. Oct. 2013. < http://www.aypf.org/publications/ HSReformCollegeAccessandSuccess.pdf>.
Mueller, Dan, and Edith Gozali-Lee. "College and Career Readiness, A Review and Analysis Conducted for Generation Next." Wilder Research, Apr. 2013. Web. Oct. 2013. < http://www.wilder.org/Wilder-Research/Publications/Studies/ Generation%20Next/College%20and%20Career%20Readiness%20- %20A%20Review%20and%20Analysis%20Conducted%20for%20Generation%2 0Next.pdf>.
NCES, United States DOE. "The Condition of Education 2002." N.p., n.d. Web. Oct. 2013. < http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2002025>.
"New York State Report Cards." GLEN COVE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT. New York State Education Department, 2012. Web. Oct. 2013. <https://reportcards. nysed.gov/schools.php?district=800000049886>.
"NYS Diploma Requirements." New York State Education Department. N.p., 2013. Web. Oct. 2013. < http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/gradreq/intro.html>.
Perna, Laura, and Anthony Jones. The State of College Access and Completion: Improving College Success for Students from Underrepresented Groups. United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis, 2013. Print.
Regents Requirements. New York State Education Department, n.d. Web. Oct. 2013. <http://www.hesc.ny.gov/content.nsf/SFC/Regents_Requirements>.
"Report Card Colorado School Grades." Colorado School Grades. N.p., 2011. Web. Oct. 2013. < http://www.coloradoschoolgrades.com/ SchoolReportCard.aspx?sid=5120M>.
Rose, H., & Betts, J. R. (2004). The effect of high school courses on earnings. The Review of Economics and Statistics, 86, 497513. Web. Oct. 2013. <http://faculty.smu.edu/millimet/classes/eco7321/papers/rose%20betts.pdf>.