Collier County middle school college readiness program
When you think about middle school, many would describe it as one of the most awkward times in your life. Raging hormones, social cruelty – this time of transition is certainly not something I am looking forward to as a parent. However, I do know that it is becoming one of the most important times in a student’s life to prepare a student for college or a career. Yes, middle school matters a lot when it comes to your child’s future. Researchers say grades, attendance patterns and engagement at the middle school level are among the strongest predictors of high school graduation and college-going patterns.
To get students engaged in their future, CCPS is implementing a new college and career readiness experience for seventh grade students this semester at all 10 middle schools.
The first phase included a visit to the Florida CHOICES website: www.flchoices.org. The website is run by the Florida Department of Education and is a free resource for all Floridians. It provides assessments for interests, skills, and values as well as information on careers and postsecondary education.
Earlier this year, students completed what’s called an “Interest Profiler” assessment. They answered 60 questions about their likes and dislikes – questions like “How would you like to work in a biology lab?” or “Would you like to write books or plays?” Their answers then generated a list of characteristics that hopefully describe their interests. Some examples would be artistic, social, investigative, and realistic. The profile then matched the student with careers that best fit those interests.
Schools will be guiding students through the next step in this experience starting in March. It entails a series of video workshops each targeting different topics. The first will focus on the anticipated graduation requirements for high school, including class options and programs available at the high school level. The goal is to give the middle school student the tools needed to create a four-year high school plan. The three other workshops include information on available financial aid and scholarships, career and technical education opportunities, and college majors and campus life. Each video aims to give students just a taste of what’s available to them.
The final phase is probably the most exciting for the students – a field trip to a real college campus! Each school will take a trip to Florida Gulf Coast University during the month of May. They will get a tour of campus, including a look at dorm life. For some, this will be their first visit to a college campus.
The bottom line – it’s never too early to start thinking about the future. The choices your child makes now can certainly shape opportunities later in life.
Katie Tanner is the Communications Specialist for Collier County Public Schools and can be reached at (239) 377-0180.