The Texas OnCourse Educator Blog

The spread of coronavirus has resulted in a plethora of educational pivots since March, and the college admissions process has been no exception. With SAT and ACT testing dates canceled or postponed and testing centers closed, institutes of higher education have reconsidered the role that these exams play in admissions.

Okay, middle school parents and guardians. It’s never too soon to help your child dream about college and career success after high school. Starting around seventh and eighth grade, you’ll  need to know about Texas graduation requirements and help your child craft a four-year high school plan. Don’t panic – you’ll have help. That’s what counselors and advisers are here for! 

“Why should my child or my family apply for FAFSA if we are not low income?” As a parent and educator, I am asked this question often. My response comes from personal experience working with college-bound students and their families for the past 25 years.

Transitioning from elementary to middle school is challenging whether you’re a student or a parent/guardian. Aside from the change in educational demand, the pace of the school year often feels as if it quickens. The relationship dynamic between parents/guardians and teachers also evolves. Teachers in middle school can have anywhere from 100 to 250 students, as compared to the 25 to 50 in elementary. It can feel like there isn’t as much time for personal attention. 

From the time our children are small, we teach them what we know. Soon enough, it comes time for them to learn things we don’t know, and that’s when we call in the experts: educators. Time flies, and soon our students are in their *gasp*  last year of high school! This is a crucial time when years of hard academic work and focus come to fruition. It’s also when senioritis might set in! It’s imperative that parents and guardians support their students in staying on course through high school graduation.

With back to school around the corner, we want to make sure that parents and guardians have all the resources they need to support their student’s success this academic year. This is an especially big year for students making the transition from grade school to middle school – there are so many changes! Lockers, more class periods, more demanding schedules, more emphasis on personal responsibility, new students and teachers – the list goes on and on. And even if it isn’t your student’s first year in middle school, each new year presents new challenges.

Once a year we open our leader fellowship to a new cohort of movers and shakers in college and career readiness. These Texas educators excel in their schools and communities. They represent a solid dedication to education, a commitment to their students, and a passion for continuous professional development.

What’s a student to do during the summer? After a time, another day at the pool or afternoon spent playing video games can seem humdrum. Summertime offers a wonderful opportunity for students to broaden their life experiences. The more life experiences, the more well rounded the student – and the more potential college essay material! It’s all about changing it up. Here are several options:

Summertime is a great time to make (and fulfill) wish lists. In a perfect world, what are some things you wish you had the time or energy to do? For some, having a little more free time means considering how they can positively impact their communities. When you have extra, you might be more apt to consider sharing the extra that you have.