What is college and career readiness?

Alvord Unified School District recognizes the importance of college and career readiness. A “college-ready” student is defined as an academically prepared student who is ready for postsecondary education without the need for remedial coursework. AUSD also recognizes that not all students will choose the college route, so teachers, administrators and counselors begin informing parents about career readiness. A “career-ready” student is defined as someone who possesses both the necessary knowledge and technical skills needed for employment in their desired career field.

What is the Role of the Counselor?

The National Office for School Counselor Advocacy has identified eight components of college and career readiness, yet only six of these components should be applied to the elementary setting:

• College Aspiration: Nurture confidence in students to aspire to college by maintaining high expectations and conveying the conviction that all students can succeed in college.
• Academic Planning for College and Career Readiness: Encourage students to participate in rigorous academic programs by increasing rigor within your own classroom. Help students realize they are capable of achieving greater academic goals than they set for themselves.
• Enrichment and Extracurricular Engagement: Push the administration to conduct a school and community audit of enrichment and extracurricular activities that offer participation and leadership options to all students.
• College and Career Exploration and Selection Process: Promote a college-going culture where students are encouraged to aim high. They should also begin writing processes that help them develop college application skills such as writing personal statements.
• College and Career Assessment: When students complete a benchmark test, take the time to share the results with them. Help students become more self-aware of their achievements and take a personal interest in their growth.
• College Affordability Planning: Begin financial literacy at an early age. Integrate lessons about basic finance, wealth and money management into math curriculum.