1. Pinellas County Schools Talent Identification Program (PCS TIP) Parent Meeting December 7, Presented by:

2. Why tip & why sat? Tip sat – by invitation
Psat 8/9 - All 8th graders (October)
Psat/nmsqt - All 9th & 10th graders (October)
11th graders opt-in (October)
National merit scholarship qualifying test
Million$ in $cholarship opportunities beyond nat’l merit
(for more info go to psat.org/scholarships)
Sat - All 11th graders (march)
12th graders opt-in for college admissions opportunities (October)
Why TIP? So your child is on the trajectory to gain admission to the college of his/her dreams. TIP is not the magic sauce that will make that happen but it starts the thinking process EARLY which helps in the long run. We want to make sure you know what lies ahead on this path to college so you can effectively plan.
TIP is by invitation and allows students to see the most difficult of the three assessments as a preview to the upcoming suite so they know what that end experience/expectation consists of
Research shows that students who take the PSAT for multiple years prior to taking the SAT for college admissions score significantly higher than those who just take the SAT in junior/senior year. We are committed to providing that opportunity for all students.
October each year – college readiness assessments administered to all 8th-10th graders, with 11th opting in for NMS competition and 12th graders opting in for college admissions purposes
March each year – 11th graders have a chance to take their first SAT for admissions and scholarship purposes

3. Format of the sat
Three areas tested focus on skills that matter most for college readiness and success based on current research
Total Length – 3 hours (plus 50 minutes for essay)
Reading – 65 minutes, 52 questions
Writing and Language – 35 minutes, 44 questions
Mathematics – 80 minutes (55 w/ calculator, 25 w/o), 58 questions
Optional Essay
Although high school grades are a very useful indicator of how students will perform in college, there is great variation in grading standards and course rigor within and across high schools. SAT is one way for colleges to compare students across schools, districts, states and countries. A combination of SAT scores and grades is the best predictor of success in college.

4. Planning for college starts now 
Key points for 8th Grade
Courses taken in 8th grade can determine what programs students are eligible for in the 9th grade
Students who wish to participate in honors and AP course opportunities in the 9th grade should ensure they have advanced core academic courses and/or high school courses in 8th grade
High school courses taken in 8th grade DO count in students’ high school grade point averages (GPAs) and in their class rankings

5. District resources available
How can parents and students learn about programs available in high school?
Pinellas Pathways to Graduation
CTE Matrix (Career Technical Education Program)
District Application Programs
ACCESS THESE RESOURCES AT:
Departments tab
Teaching and Learning (in departments)
Middle School (left navigation bar)

6. Pinellas pathways to graduation www.pcsb.org/pinellas-pathways
Please direct them to our website ( and pull up to show video if at all possible. This group will likely be focused on the Advanced Scholar Pathway. Students will select their pathway in 8th grade
PLEASE STRESS that these are just suggestions of what each course progression COULD look like! This is not an exhaustive list and there are MANY different course that follow each pathway.
Use the WEBSITE to help you think about high school planning
Pathways Video

7. Pinellas pathways to graduation
Why?
Helps prepare students to earn Florida’s Standard High School Diploma
Allows students to choose a course of study that best fits their college and/or career plans
Recommends a pathway of courses to take but students are not locked in
Can make changes/updates to customize to your needs
You should begin to talk with your child about what courses he/she enjoys and where their talents lie. These are the two keys to selecting advanced courses where a child will be successful.

8. Information about pathways
Advanced Scholar Pathway
Includes a rigorous level of required and elective courses that best prepare students seeking admittance to competitive four-year universities
College Pathway
Includes a rigorous level of required and elective courses that best prepare students for entry into a college or four year university
Technical/College Pathway
Offers the opportunity for students to challenge themselves in specific academic and elective areas of interest, earn nationally recognized industry certifications, and pursue entry into a post- secondary technical school or state college
Second semester students in 7th grade will have an information seminar with their school counselor but again will select their pathway in 8th grade.
For additional information please go to our website which is on the back of the brochure, pcsb.org/pinellas-pathways, there is a link to resources for parents and students.

9. Career technical education high school programs
Students can complete the Advanced Scholar Pathway and earn an industry certification. This can help them to engage in a job while in college for their chosen profession or could be a stepping stone to acceptance into a specific major of study.
Refer to the handouts for specific information on our CTE High School Programs
The chart on the left represents all of the CTE programs in grades 6 – 12, including career academies, Centers Of Excellence and magnets. 
This will help students and parents see what CTE programs their schools offers and provides options for attending a CTE program of which they have interest.
The chart to the right lists all industry certifications achieved by PCS students in recent years and the articulated credit available if they choose to attend a state college – like SPC. 
Aligned with the certification is an example of the career path and average salary.
Important to note that industry certifications that are “Gold Standard” come with a statewide articulation agreement providing college credit for specified degree paths.
This means a savings in tuition for achieving the industry certification.

10. Hs district application programs
Application program cycle begins with Discovery Nights and Information Fairs next November.
Online application cycle will most likely occur in early January as it has in recent years.
Now is the time to be thinking about what programs you want to consider for high school so that your son/daughter takes the appropriate prerequisite courses in 8th grade.

11. Simplify the college planning process
Understand the admissions factors
Learn about the SAT® and SAT Subject Tests ™
Explore college options
Develop a financial plan

12. Understand admissions factors
Primary Factors
Quality/Rigor of Academic Courses
Academic Performance
Test Scores (SAT, ACT, AP, AICE, IB, etc.)
Additional Factors
Extracurricular Activities
Essay(s)
Letters of Recommendation
Demonstrated Interest
Geography
These factors are broken down into two categories: primary and additional.
In general, primary factors will carry more weight in the admission process.
There is no one formula that colleges use to admit students.
Although grades and test scores are important, it’s a combination of these factors that colleges consider to get the best picture of who a student is and how he or she will fit in at their institution.
Understand Admission Factors

13. Grades & coursework matter
This is one of the most important factors for admission to college!
Colleges will consider
Course selection – rigorous
Grades – balance volume of rigor for success
GPA Trends
A Rigorous Curriculum includes, at minimum:
Four years of English language arts and an ELA class every year of high school.
Four years of mathematics, including one or more years of study beyond Algebra II and a math class every year of high school.
Three or more years of history/the social sciences
Two or more years of the same world language (at least three to be competitive)
Course Selection:
Be mindful of what kinds of courses are required for graduation and to get into the college of your choice. Ask for help in developing the best four year plan.
Take a balanced course load. Although you should challenge yourself, you don’t want to take on more than you can handle and risk not doing well in those courses. At the same time, you should not take all easy classes just to increase your GPA. If you need advice on how to pick classes, ask your counselor.
Grades:
Do well throughout high school. Do not give in to senioritis.
Good grades may enable you to qualify for certain scholarships. Check online or with your counselor for information on scholarship requirements.
Class Rank:
Not all high schools maintain a class ranking. For those that do, colleges are looking to see how you measure up against your peers.
A high rank doesn’t necessarily guarantee admission to certain colleges. Many exclusive colleges are choosing from among many high-ranked individuals.
No matter where you rank, there is a college for you.
Trends:
Colleges consider grade trends. Upward trends can help a lot, but downward trends can raise questions. If a student is experiencing an overall downward trend, often a counselor recommendation or special letter can address these issues, especially if there are other circumstances the college should know about. No one plans for downward trends. Be sure to seek support if there is a downward trend.

14. Other considerations…
Positive recommendations from educators/mentors
Personal statement/essay that demonstrates writing ability and self expression
Demonstrated interest in the college
Extracurricular activities – commitment to a sport, performing/visual art, club, volunteering, etc.
Community involvement, part-time work, internship
Interview (if applicable)
Recommendations:
Be sure to read applications to understand their criteria; some want at least one academic recommendation, some want at least one nonacademic recommendation.
On the application form, waive your right to view recommendation letters. This gives more credibility to the recommendations in the eyes of the college.
Personal Statements/Essays:
Personal statements and essays are both a measure of writing ability and a window into each student’s background. Although it’s a good idea to show your essay to a few people for their feedback, remember that this is your chance to shine and show colleges how you express yourself.
In addition to the personal statement/essay, most applications (including the Common Application) have short-answer questions. Use these questions to give additional information about yourself beyond the facts.
Demonstrated Interest:
Colleges like to know that you really want to go to their school, not that they’re an afterthought or backup. Make every effort to show your enthusiasm.
Consider early admission/decision.
Visit the campus.
Participate in an optional interview.
Send SAT scores.
Extracurricular Activities:
MAINTAIN A FILE of these activities starting with your freshmen year so that you don’t miss anything when you do your application.
You don’t need to do a little bit of everything. Instead, try to focus on a few of your interests or passions, and then get involved in activities where you can explore them. This could be the school paper, yearbook, or sports or other school-related activities. Also, don’t be afraid to look outside of school for opportunities: Ask your family and friends about ways to volunteer, intern and/or work in the fields in which you’re interested.
Colleges want to see:
Long-term involvement in these activities
Activities that are related to a major or career goal
Activities that demonstrate leadership skills and ability

15. Explore college options
What colleges are right for your child? Consider
Size of school
Diversity of student body
Location
Academic programs
Campus life – athletics, activities, housing
Graduation and retention rates
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
WHERE WILL YOUR CHILD BE MOST HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL IN HIS/HER COLLEGE LIFE?
Size and Diversity of the Student Body
Size will affect many of your opportunities and experiences, including:
Range of academic majors offered
Extracurricular possibilities
Amount of personal attention you’ll receive
When considering the student body, be sure to think about factors such as the geographic, ethnic, racial and religious diversity of the student body. Explore what kinds of student organizations, or other groups with ethnic or religious foundations, are active and visible on campus.
Location
What is important to you?
Visit home frequently, or do you see this as a time to experience a new part of the country?
Perhaps you like an urban environment with access to museums, ethnic food or well-known sports teams.
Maybe you want easy access to the outdoors or the community feel of a small town.
Academic Programs
If you know what you want to study, research the reputations of academic departments by talking to people in the fields that interest you. If you’re undecided, relax and pick an academically balanced institution that offers a range of majors and programs.
Campus Life
Consider what your college life will be like beyond the classroom. Aim for a balance between academics, activities and social life. Before choosing a college, learn the answers to these questions:
What extracurricular activities, athletics and special interest groups are available?
Does the community around the college offer interesting outlets for students?
Is there an ethnic or religious group in which to take part?
How do fraternities and sororities influence campus life?
Is housing guaranteed?
How are dorms assigned?
Retention and Graduation Rates
One of the best ways to measure a school’s quality and the satisfaction of its students is to find out what percentage of students return after their first year and the percentage of students who actually graduate. A college with good retention and graduation rates often indicates that responsible academic, social and financial support systems exist for most students.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Today’s college price tag makes cost an important consideration for most students. However, virtually all colleges work to ensure that academically qualified students from every economic circumstance can find financial aid that allows them to attend.
BeyondEducation.org
This website aims to provide parents and students with postsecondary school information that will help them to make informed education and career choices. It includes information on employment and earnings outcomes of graduates of the State University System, the Florida College System and District Postsecondary Career and Technical Schools as well as other important information.

16. Develop a financial plan
College Costs
Tuition and fees
Room and board
Books and supplies
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, etc.)
Travel (commuting or visiting home)
Calculate your savings to see if you are on track (Florida pre- paid or other savings)
Search for Scholarships!!!
Visit the Raise.Me website
Local Scholarships
In general, the smaller the geographical area a scholarship covers, the better your chances of getting one. Begin with your high school guidance office and continue to the college aid section of your public library. Most libraries will have a number of books about financial aid, including scholarship guides such as the College Board’s Scholarship Handbook. They also may have information on local scholarships.
Membership Organizations and Employers
Explore categories you might not have considered, such as religious, community service, fraternal, military, union and professional. And don’t forget your parents. Many large companies offer scholarships or tuition programs for children of employees.
Don’t overlook student jobs. Employers such as fast-food chains, department stores and supermarkets often give scholarships.
Free Scholarship Search Service
A scholarship search company collects information on hundreds of awards and compares your student characteristics with scholarship restrictions. Based on your answers to a questionnaire, you will receive a list of possible scholarships.
Institutional Scholarships
Research what kinds of scholarships are available at the schools that interest you.
Check out college websites, catalogs and financial aid offices for this information.
Eligibility for scholarships can be based on merit, financial need, intended major, ethnicity or a variety of other factors.
RaiseMe.org
On Raise.me, students can track their high school progress, earn scholarships, and develop a clear path to college.

17. XELLO
Students can explore all of the aforementioned considerations using xello!
Your school counselor should have already had you log in and complete the “matchmaker” this year
You can continue to explore colleges and careers by logging into xello through clever or downloading the app
Each year of middle school students will complete an activity in Xello
8th grade year they will build their 4 year plan for graduation

18. Florida bright futures program
Awarded to every student in the state of Florida who meets the eligibility requirements
Initial eligibility requirements include: coursework, GPA, Community service hours, and college entrance exam scores
Four levels of awards
Academic
Medallion
Gold seal vocational
Gold seal CAPe
Review Bright Futures eligibility at the Florida Shines website: college/pay-for-college#

19. Scholarship information
EVERY family should complete a FAFSA in October of the child’s graduation year in order to maximize financial aid
Scholarship information can be found on the PCSB website (
On the Financial Aid page, you will find links to
Scholarship Opportunities
Financial Aid Seminars
Bright Futures
Pinellas Education Foundation Scholarships
Scholarship Search Engines, such as FASTWEB

20. College planning recap
Remember college opportunities exist for ALL!
Simplify the planning process
Understand Admissions factors
Explore college options
Develop a financial plan
Learn more about the SAT and SAT Subject Tests
Students who take SAT with a fee waiver receive four College Application fee waivers directly from the College Board
Students who take PSAT/NMSQT can opt in to the college search which sends student info to colleges so that colleges can reach out to the student
Size and Diversity of the Student Body
Size will affect many of your opportunities and experiences, including:
Range of academic majors offered
Extracurricular possibilities
Amount of personal attention you’ll receive
When considering the student body, be sure to think about factors such as the geographic, ethnic, racial and religious diversity of the student body. Explore what kinds of student organizations, or other groups with ethnic or religious foundations, are active and visible on campus.
Location
What is important to you?
Visit home frequently, or do you see this as a time to experience a new part of the country?
Perhaps you like an urban environment with access to museums, ethnic food or well-known sports teams.
Maybe you want easy access to the outdoors or the community feel of a small town.
Academic Programs
If you know what you want to study, research the reputations of academic departments by talking to people in the fields that interest you. If you’re undecided, relax and pick an academically balanced institution that offers a range of majors and programs.
Campus Life
Consider what your college life will be like beyond the classroom. Aim for a balance between academics, activities and social life. Before choosing a college, learn the answers to these questions:
What extracurricular activities, athletics and special interest groups are available?
Does the community around the college offer interesting outlets for students?
Is there an ethnic or religious group in which to take part?
How do fraternities and sororities influence campus life?
Is housing guaranteed?
How are dorms assigned?
Retention and Graduation Rates
One of the best ways to measure a school’s quality and the satisfaction of its students is to find out what percentage of students return after their first year and the percentage of students who actually graduate. A college with good retention and graduation rates often indicates that responsible academic, social and financial support systems exist for most students.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Today’s college price tag makes cost an important consideration for most students. However, virtually all colleges work to ensure that academically qualified students from every economic circumstance can find financial aid that allows them to attend.

21. Reminders about today’s sat
Scores for the
December 7, 2019 SAT will be available beginning on
January 18, 2020.
See sample score report to the right.
Score Reporting Provides Specific Feedback to Allow for Growth
1 Total Score (ERW & Math combined)
2 Section Scores
Evidence-based Reading & Writing (ERW), Mathematics
2 Cross Test Scores 10-40
Analysis in Science, Analysis in History/Social Studies
3 Tests Scores
Reading, Writing & Language, Mathematics
7 Subscores 1-15
Words in Context, Command of Evidence, Expression of Ideas, Standard English Conventions,
Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving & Data Analysis, Passport to Advanced Mathematics

22. Today’s sat results
The College Board will mail your students scores to your homes sometime in mid-to-late january 2020.
Once your students scores have been received, we will provide another information session to explain the scores, provide you with next steps, and explain how to take advantage of online resources.
Important info note about SAT scores for middle school students (from College Board) on next 2 slides!

23. Important info for 7th grade sat scores
The scores your student will be receiving will not be permanent unless requested by the student in writing!
If a student tests in the 8th grade or below, the scores are purged at the end of the testing year. Students can ask to preserve their scores as part of their permanent record if they choose. To do this, you must submit a request in writing (see next slide)

24. How to Request in writing to keep scores for students in 8th grade or below
Before the end of June of the school year in which they tested
Including full name, registration number, and test date
Addressed to: The College Board SAT Program Attention: Talent Search Scores P.O. Box Miami, FL 33102

25. Want to know more Duke TIP?
Kim Thomas-Cain
(941)
(919)
Thank you again for taking the opportunity today to learn more about the Duke TIP Talent Searches and the many educational programs and resources we have available to you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you have any follow up questions. For immediate assistance, you may also contact our main office listed at the top of this slide, and other Duke TIP staff will be happy to help! You may also visit our website for more information and to access the educator toolkits for the talent searches. It is there you will also find a listing of additional webinars planned on a host of different Duke TIP topics.

26. 2020 pcs stem honors summer camp
When: planning for two weeks in june
Where: prior year camps have been at
Lakewood High or East Lake Middle
What: Students will engage in science, technology,
engineering and mathematic activities such as robotics, multi-media, computer programming and career exploration.
Application Fee: information will be shared when the
sat results return (for your budget/planning purposes the fee was $90 last year)
Point of contact:
Laura spence, stem specialist
PLEASE INCLUDE CONTACT INFO FOR QUESTIONS!!!!

27. Parent survey
If you have questions for the good of the group, please feel free to ask.
Please scan the QR code to take a brief 2-3 minute survey to help us improve the TIP SAT experience in future years and to answer your individual questions.
Parents can scan the QR code (can be scanned with smartphone camera if they do not have an app for this) to complete the survey.