Preparing to Dream is a four-year initiative that unites five school districts (Aldine, Cypress-Fairbanks, Goose Creek, Houston and Spring Branch) with Texas higher education and national experts to 1) analyze student-level data 2) use the information to pilot projects and make system-wide changes that improve college access and success -- especially among low-income students and first-generation college-goers. VISIT ONE OF THOSE PILOT PROGRAMS IN ROOM 2508—CFISD’S FIRST COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER.

WHY CYPRESS LAKES ? 9 th and 10 th graders who can be tracked throughout their high school career—impact of interventions can be measured. Ideal population– large numbers of first generation, economically disadvantaged and minority students. A new and dynamic faculty and staff to embrace the program. An awesome facility to house the College and Career Center.

Key Predictors of College Attendance Academic preparation Social support Access to information Parental involvement and knowledge about college Financial aid

Principles of a College Culture College Talk Clear Expectations Information & Resources Comprehensive Counseling Model Testing & Curriculum Faculty Involvement Family Involvement College Partnerships Articulation Patricia M. McDonough Professor, Department of Education UCLA April, 2008

College Talk “On a recent spring morning in Kathy Cho’s first- grade class, Jeremy Bun was studying his ABCs. A, in this case, was not for ‘apple.’ It stood for ‘admissions.’ B was for ‘book.’ And C was for ‘counselor,’ as in college counselor, the kind of person Jeremy plans to meet with one day. ‘D is for dormitory,’ Jeremy said. ‘That’s the place where you sleep. It’s where I’m going to sleep because I am going to college.’” —“Fast Forward to College,” University of California, Berkeley, 2005

Talking About College Over a lifetime, a college graduate can expect to earn $1 million more than a high school graduate. Just one year of college will increase lifetime earnings 15 percent. College graduates have lower unemployment rates and more jobs to chose from. People who go to college live longer.

SIMPLE IDEAS Display your college memorabilia. Talk about college. When the opportunity arises, use college examples for problems and situations. Encourage your students to visit the College and Career Center. Tie classroom skills to career skills. Participate in College Spirit Days.

Clear Expectations At Cy Lakes the simple, school-wide expectation must be that every student have the aspiration and preparation for post-secondary education. All students—including first generation, minority and economically disadvantaged. Requires full “buy in” and additional resources

College and Career Center Services –Workshops –Resources/ Research –Guest Speakers –Student Advising –Teacher resources –College and Career Connection club –Counselor support –Watkins/Thornton support Location: Room 2508 in back of Library Hours for Fall –Monday 11 am - 8 pm –Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 7:30 am - 4:30 pm –Friday 7:00 am – 3:00 pm

Adelman, C. (2004). Principal indicators of student academic histories in postsecondary education, Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, Institute for Education Sciences. American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF). (2005). The link between high school reform and college access and success for low-income and minority youth. Washington, DC: AYPF. First in the Family. (2006). Retrieved August 8, 2008, from McDonough, Patricia. (2003). What research tells us about college access: assuring the success of all students. Retrieved August 8, 2008 from Preparing to Dream. (2007). Retrieved August 8, 2008 from