Middle School to High School Transition Workshop for Parents Created by: Nicole Hackett Presented by: Your name here

Questions to Consider

/ / / / Why is graduation important?

What leads to drop out?

Where do parents fit in?

How can parents help circumvent drop out?

/ / / / /

Topics

Understanding Drop out & Warning Signs Parental Involvement / / / Benefits of Benefits for parents Obstacles to involvement How to help / What happens after the transition High School Graduation Requirements Truancy, School Safety, & Discipline

Objectives

Parents will have an understanding of the important role they play throughout their child’s education Parents will be given an introduction to LAUSD policies related to school safety, discipline, attendance, and graduation requirements Parents will be better informed about the transition to high school Parents will gain knowledge of how to stay involved despite adolescent resistance

Overview of Parent Workshop

Getting to know each other Pre-Questionnaire Definition of drop out and parental involvement Importance of parental involvement and how it can be maintained or increased following the transition to high school Student concerns about the transition and how it affects performance High School Graduation Requirements Truancy, discipline, and school safety Final Questionnaire Questions & Answers or Discussion

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Getting to Know You Icebreakers

#1 Fact or Fiction? Write down 3 things about yourself 2 true and 1 #2 Interview – Spend a few minutes speaking to a partner & identify 3 interesting facts to share with the

Getting to Know You

Take a look around These people are a great resource to use as we embark on this journey of helping your children graduate Feel free to exchange information with one another following the conclusion of this workshop

Pre-Questionnaire

What is school drop out?

What are three ways parents can become involved?

How is a “failure” grade different at the middle school and high school levels?

On top of credit completion, what does a student have to demonstrate before graduating?

What are the minimum requirements for college admission called?

Understanding Drop Out

“At-Risk” is defined as not having earned sufficient course credits in the normally allotted time Poor student engagement & lack of motivation are central to the process of drop out

Warning Signs (Not all)

Poor Attendance or Truancy Low grades Negative Attitude Toward School Disengagement Failure to be promoted to the next grade level Behavioral problems

What is Parental Involvement?

Recently redefined from being something parents do to an exchange between home and school Communication Information Sharing

Benefits of Parental Involvement on Student Outcomes

Student attitudes toward school are more positive Higher Achievement Consistent Attendance Higher Graduation Rates

Benefits for Parents

More familiarity with how schools work Increased knowledge of education programs More insight of how to support students Improved confidence in abilities to help students More positive views of teachers & staff at the school site

Addressing Obstacles to Involvement Uninviting school environment Past negative experiences with schools or a fear of “stepping on toes” Cultural barriers – language, attitudes toward professional educators, or limited understanding of the American school system

Addressing Obstacles to Involvement Basic needs surpassing educational needs (i.e., food, clothing, & shelter) Safety concerns related to inner city schools or neighborhoods Confusion about what can be done Lack of time

Student Concerns About High School “Opportunity for a Fresh start” Homework Class difficulty Choosing the “right” classes Fitting in Getting lost Teacher expectations Test taking

What Happens to Students After Transitioning?

Lower GPA Reduced school engagement Increased absence rate

How can parents help students?

Parental participation in school monitoring home- work attending parent–teacher association meetings Parental encouragement of positive school behaviors Parental expectations for achievement and attainment

How can parents help students?

http://www.educationworld.com/a_sp ecial/parent_involvement.shtml

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/ Final_Parent_Involvement_Fact_She et_14732_7.pdf

LAUSD Graduation Requirements

Social studies 30 credits English College Preparatory Mathematics Physical Science 40 credits 20 credits Laboratory Science Biological Science 10 credits 10 credits Visual and Performing Arts Electives Applied Technology Physical Education Health Life Skills Total credits for diploma = 230 10 credits 70 credits 10 credits 20 credits 5 credits 5 credits

Credit Requirements by school year Freshman Sophomore year 110 Junior year 55 170 Senior year 230

Importance of the first 55 credits

Falling off track in the freshman year decreases the odds of earning a high school diploma i.e., not earning the first 55 credits on time = warning sign

“Failure”

In Middle School – a student may fail a class and still be promoted without having to make it up “F” = False alarm In High School – an “F” grade must be made up if the student is to earn necessary credits for graduation “F” = Failure

College Bound Curriculum

The “A-G” Requirements A: Social Studies C: Mathematics D: Lab Science E: World Languages G: Electives (2 years) (3 years) (2 years) (2 years) (1 years) The LAUSD curriculum is designed such that every student can meet the minimum college admission requirements for both UC and Cal State systems

Additional LAUSD Graduation Requirements Passing score of 350+ on both the Math and English sections of the CAHSEE examination Identify a career pathway – exploration of skills and interests and choosing a career cluster Computer literacy – completion of a computer education course or demonstrate competency on a performance assessment Service Learning – teaching/learning strategy in which students learn and develop through active participation in high quality service that meets the needs of a community

Truancy

Truancy occurs when a student is absent 3 consecutive school days without a valid excuse or is tardy or absent for more than 30 minutes or any combination of the two Severe consequences for truancy Fines paid by PARENTS Criminal prosecution of PARENTS

School Safety & Discipline

http://schoolsafety.lausd.net/ http://notebook.lausd.net/portal/pag e?_pageid=33,912325&_dad=ptl&_sch ema=PTL_EP

Post Questionnaire

What is school drop out?

What are three ways parents can become involved?

How is a “failure” grade different at the middle school and high school levels?

On top of credit completion, what does a student have to demonstrate before graduating?

What are the minimum requirements for college admission called?

Questions? Thoughts? Comments?

Thank you!

Your continued interest and support in your child’s education will not go unrewarded! If you have any further questions or would like to provide feedback about this workshop, please contact me at (xxx) xxx-xxxx or via e-mail ___________