Category: College AwarenessJob Role: Parent

Why is college important? Education opens up doors

Education allows your child to choose his/her career

Education increases the amount of money your child may be able to make

Education determines your child’s lifestyle  

Education expands your child’s mind

Education can help your child improve the community 

Education exposes your child to a variety of people and experiences

Education equals security

Education equals respect

What can I do now to help my child prepare for high school and college?

Motivate your child Challenge your child Enroll your child in extracurricular activities Make sure that your child is taking the right classes Make education a realistic journey Make education a top priority Discuss careers and educational opportunities with your child Expose your child to college Learn about financial aid and start saving Be an educational supporter for your child Be an example for your child Celebrate your child

What are the various college preparation programs currently available for middle school students?

To find out what other pre-college programs are available in your area, check with the school and with local community churches and organizations. Here are some programs that may be available in your area:

21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) California Academic Partnership Program (CAPP) California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)   California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP)   Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Puente Project Talent Search TRIO Programs University of California Links (UC Links) Upward Bound Upward Bound Math/Science

For a given career, how much money can one earn?

Career Sample Majors or Areas of Study

Minimum Education Needed

Average Yearly Salary

Type of College

Air Traffic Controller

Air Transportation Bachelor’s Degree $82,520 Four-year college or university

Auto Mechanic Automotive Repair Associate Degree or Vocational Certificate

$26,400 Two-year college

Doctor Biology

Pre-Medicine

Psychology

Doctorate Degree, Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)

$160,000 Four-year college or university plus graduate school and residency

Fire Inspector Fire Protection

Fire/Occupational Technology

Fire Science

Associate’s Degree (some prefer Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree)

$52,000 Two or four-year college or university

Teacher Child Development

Education

Education Administration

Bachelor’s Degree, plus credential

$40,000 Four-year college or university

For information on what salaries can be earned for specific careers, visit the U.S. Department

of Labor’s Web site: http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.html. Here are some samples:

Salary ranges compare for college vs. non-college educated people

According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2000), the average amount of money earned by individuals based on their education level is shown in the table below:

FFor more information on what salaries are earned for specific careers, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Web site http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm

Education Average Yearly Salary Average Monthly Salary

No High School Diploma $14,349 $1,196

High School Diploma $23,233 $1,936

Associate Degree $31,084 $2,640

Bachelor’s Degree $45,648 $3,804

Master’s Degree $56,950 $4,747

Doctorate Degree $87,644 $7,304

Category: Financial Aid Job Role: Parent

What types of scholarships are typically given, and how can I find them?

Scholarships are everywhere, you just need to know where to look. Here are four important areas to research:

• Locally

• Organizations and employers

• Free scholarship search services

• College financial aid office

California financial aid eligibility requirements

In order to be eligible for California financial aid, your child must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Qualify for one or more of the various type(s) of financial aid available (except for certain loans)

• Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate

• Be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program and working toward a degree or certificate at a California school

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

• Have a valid Social Security Number

California financial aid eligibility requirements (cont.)

• Continuing students must maintain satisfactory academic progress once in school

• New students must earn and submit a Grade Point Average (GPA) Verification form; be sure to confirm the specific GPA requirement as it may vary by grant type and year of application

• Have family earnings and assets less than the established ceilings

• Submit both the GPA Verification and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the Cal Grant deadline.

What are some of the typical financial aid application due dates?

January 1 The earliest date of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be submitted.

March 2 PRIORITY FILING for the FAFSA.  APPLICATION DEADLINE for Cal Grants A, B and C.  DEADLINE for Grade Point Average (GPA) Verification forms.

July 1 APPLICATION DEADLINE for the FAFSA. You will not get federal aid for the academic year if this application is not completed and turned in on time.

September 2 APPLICATION DEADLINE for Cal Grant A and B Competitive Awards, set aside for students planning to attend a California Community College.

What are the typical ranges of awarded amounts given to students interested in going to college?

The amount and type of financial aid that your child may receive can depend on the following items:  

• Financial need

• Choice of college

• Grade Point Average (GPA)

• Year in school

• Status as a full-time or part-time student

• Amount of other financial assistance you will receive

• Amount of money available from the college

What are the typical ranges of awarded amounts given to students interested in going to college? (cont.)

The following chart provides you with a summary of the individual financial aid programs, plus the associated award ranges or maximum amounts that are given out yearly:

College Funding Programs Yearly Award Ranges and Award Maximums

for Award Year 2000-2001

Federal Pell Grant $400 - $3,750

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant $100 - $4,000

Cal Grant A Entitlement and Competitive Awards Nothing paid at Community Colleges

$1,428 (California State University)

$3,429 (University of California)

$9,708 (Independent Colleges)

Cal Grant B Entitlement and Competitive Awards Nothing paid at Community Colleges

$1,428 (California State University)

$3,429 (University of California)

$9,708 (Independent Colleges)

Living Allowance: $1,551 paid all four years

Cal Grant C (for vocational course work) $2,592 paid at any California school except Community Colleges

Books and Supplies: Up to $576

Who do I contact for additional information or to get applications?

Financial aid information and application forms are easy to get. If you want

more information contact the financial aid office at a college near you or call:

(888) CA-GRANT

http://www.csac.ca.gov

 

 (888) 2ED-FUND

http://www.edfund.org

 

(800)-4FED-AID

http://www.ed.gov/studentaid

Category: Learning Environment & School Systems Job Role: Parent

What is going to school like in the U.S.?

Grade Levels: K-12 School Districts School Systems

- Elementary school system- Secondary school system

Types of Schools

Public schools Private schools Charter schools  Year-round education Magnet programs Alternative schools Independent study 

What is going to school like in

California? Average School Calendar

Minimum School - Age Requirements

Standards-Based Education

California Schools – Management and Personnel·  School District·  School District Superintendent·  School Principal ·  School Social Workers·  School Counselors·  Teachers

What are content standards?

Content standards outline what students should know at each grade level

They form the basis of educational goals, educational policies, classroom instruction, curriculum adoption and academic assistance

Each state and school district establishes and monitors its own standards

There are four major content areas in which standards are set: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, History/Social Science Science.

To get a copy of California’s academic content standards, visit the California Department of Education’s Web site: http://www.cde.ca.gov/standards/

How do I choose a middle school for my child? There are many factors that you may want to consider before choosing a

school – here are some of them:

School Evaluation Measures Academic Performance Index (API)

School profile

  Teacher certification and professional experience

  Class size or teacher-student

  School safety

School advisement staff

School resources

School environment

Student-support programs

Parent involvement practice

Things To Do Before Choosing a School

• Research and compare the API and profiles of schools in your area

• Research crime statistics for each school’s neighborhood

• Make an appointment to visit the school on a regular school day

• Attend a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or school board meeting

Questions To Ask While Visiting Schools• How many of your teachers are state-certified?  • What professional development opportunities are available for the continued

training of teachers?• How do you keep parents informed about what is going on in the school? • How often do you host parent activities? What type of parent activities does

the school offer? • How safe is your school?  • Does your school provide bus transportation for students? • What after-school activities and programs does your school provide? • What is your dress code for students?• How do you measure student performance and learning? • How do you measure school performance? • What are some characteristics that are unique to your school?• What is your attendance policy for students? Do you notify parents when

students have unexcused absences?• Do you have remedial and accelerated programs for students who may be

underachieving or overachieving in academic areas?

Additional Resource: Greatschools.net - http://www.greatschools.net

How can I help my child be successful in middle

school? • Be Involved

• Read with your child and show an interest in what is happening in school each day

• Encourage your child to read as much as possible

• Establish a good relationship with your child’s teacher

• Help teach your child good study skills

• Help your child learn to manage homework

• Enroll your child in an after-school program that will help your child with the work he/she must do in the regular school day

• Regularly communicate the importance of learning at home. Your child needs to be excited about learning

• Show your child how to be organized

• Talk to your child about school

• Talk with your child about respect for self and others, hard work and responsibility

How can I find out if my child's school is really safe?

 Consult with your child’s school to see what safety strategies they employ

Get a printed copy of the following: Discipline code School calendar School bell schedule School handbook

Visit the campus:

Take a look around 

Ask about the discipline policies 

Investigate the Parent - Teacher Association

What are my rights as it pertains to my child's school?

Parents have rights at their child’s school, and some of the most common ones are noted

below. These rights are outlined by the California Department of Education.

• Family-School Partnership Act  • Elementary and Secondary Act

• Family involvement • Classroom observation

• Teacher conferencing • Volunteering

• Student attendance • Student testing 

• School selection • Safe school environment

• Curriculum materials • Student academic progress 

• Student records • Standards

• School rules • Psychological testing

• Councils and committees • Policy development 

• School contracts

You should also be aware of the following policy:• California Strategic Plan for Parental Involvement in Education

How is middle school different from elementary school?

More students at the school and in classes

Changing classes and more teachers

New curriculum

New school schedule

More after-school activities and programs

How can I be a more active middle school parent?At Home

Make reading a daily routine Keep a variety of good reading materials

Discuss what he/she is learning in school  Make sure he/she sees you reading

Limit and monitor television viewing Provide a regular, quiet place to study

Express high but realistic expectations Help with homework

Praise your child Encourage active learning

Post school calendars and newsletters  Monitor out-of-school activities

Encourage your child to think about the future 

Use community resources

Keep an adequate supply of writing utensils

Share stories

Emphasize educational opportunities that exist after high school graduation

Regularly review completed work

Help your child see the connection between school lessons and life lessons

At School

Meet with your child’s teacher(s) Ensure that your child is enrolled in challenging academic courses

Find out whether your school has high standards for students

Ask for information about school performance and progress

Volunteer at your school Visit your child’s classroom

Know your school’s discipline code Familiarize yourself with California academic standards

Find out about after-school and summer programs at the school and in the community at large

Know your child’s school family

How can I feel know generally what is going on in my child's school?

Get Involved

Keep a school calendar of activities and events posted at home 

Read the school newsletters

Join the school board or a parent club or association

Know your child’s school family

Donate time to your child’s school 

Talk to the school secretary

Talk to your child’s teachers

Are there any special considerations and new responsibilities as a middle school parent?

  Establish a daily family routine   Celebrate your child

  Be an example for your child   Be involved

Meet with your child’s teachers   Control your child’s school attendance 

Maintain a positive attitude   Support your child

  Stay informed   Set priorities

  Provide consistency   Provide limits

  Communicate with your child   Provide rewards and consequences

Encourage your child’s development and progress in school

Make sure your child is prepared and ready to learn 

Help your child with homework or seek additional assistance

How do I build a relationship with my child's teacher?

To make communication easier with your child’s teacher, here are some things that you should remember:

  Make your first interaction with your child’s teacher a positive one

  Don’t get angry before getting the facts 

  Talk to the teacher if you have a problem before you go to the principal

  Teachers welcome ongoing dialogues with parents because it gives them a better understanding of their students For those parents who speak a different language:

  Make regular visits to your child’s school.

Find someone at the school who speaks your language 

Ask about language classes offered at the school 

When should I ask for a parent-teacher conference, and how do I get the most from the conference?   

As a parent, you should ask for a conference with your child’s teacher for the following reasons:

  If you want to find out how your child is doing in school

  If there is a dramatic change in your child’s behavior that lasts for an extended period of time

  If your child is having repeated problems with homework assignments

  If an unusual or difficult circumstance arises, including death, serious illness or marital problems

  Provide teachers with information that will allow them to assist your child

  If your child tells you that the teacher said or did something that you do not like

  If your child is going to be out of school for more than a couple of days

How much homework should my middle school student have?

Educators recommend that sixth graders be given homework each

school day that requires between 20 to 40 minutes of time to

complete.

For seventh and eighth graders, the amount of time spent on

homework should increase to an average of about 2 hours per day.

How much should I get involved with my child's homework?

Set clear goals Take control of the television

Ask about the assignments at school 

Help organize for long-range assignments

Look over completed assignments Find the best time for homework

Keep old homework Be available

Take a look at the books Find a tutor if necessary

Check homework again after the teacher returns it

Ask the teacher how he/she would like you to be involved

Help your child keep track of assignments

Warning Signs of a Poor Homework Program• Students get little or no homework

• Students aren’t required to do homework

• Teachers don’t regularly correct homework or give feedback

• Many homework assignments consist of easy projects or repetitive drills that require little thinking

• Teachers tell you that homework does not serve a purpose or do much good

• Class time is used for children to do their homework before they go home

How do I motivate my child to achieve academically? Help your student organize a space to

store school supplies Encourage your student to read daily

basis

Help them break large assignments and projects into smaller, more manageable steps

Talk about school frequently

Encourage him/her to make outlines of important points from class assignments

Emphasize positive values and personal traits; such as hard work and responsibility

Make sure that your child understands assignment details and directions

Advise your student to listen and participate in class

Teach your student how to schedule time for schoolwork and social gatherings

Teach your child the importance of managing his/her homework

Practice setting goals and priorities with him/her

Limit and monitor television viewing

When your child is feeling sad about having failed in something, remind him/her of previous school projects that he/she has done well

Take advantage of after-school programs

How do I get my child to study? Let him/her know how important studying is to the whole learning process

Set up a study area - Make sure this area is free of distractions so that your child is able to focus on his/her schoolwork

Set a specific time to study each day - Structure allows children to create a routine

Ask your child’s teacher how much time should be dedicated to studying each night

Keep track of assignments. Monitor your child’s understanding of the lessons he/she is working on

Have your child practice taking notes, and review them with him/her

Help your child to learn how to study productively with others

How do I motivate my child to enjoy reading? Serve as a role model

  Make visiting the library a habit

  Give books as gifts

  Use the newspaper to encourage daily reading

   Share stories from your personal reading when talking to your child

   Surround your child with quality literature

  Incorporate reading into your family routines and activities

  Make sure that your child reads or that someone else reads to him/her daily

  Read aloud to your child, particularly when he/she is under five years of age

How do I make sure that my child continues to learn during the summer months?

Formal summer school

Summer tutoring

Summer camp

Obtain a summer reading list from the school

Family exploration activities and trips

What school activities should I attend throughout the year?

Parent-Teacher conferences

Parent nights 

Back-to-School nights

Open House nights

Other activities at your child’s school that you may want to attend include:

School board meetings

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings 

What school activities should my child attend throughout the year?

Your child should attend as many school activities as possible. Here are some examples of important school activities:

Testing Days

Student orientations

Assemblies

Open houses

Back-to-school nights

To get a complete list of what is offered, contact the school. The school should provide a calendar of events and a list of student-support programs.  

I do not have transportation to get my child to after-school, weekend or extracurricular school activities. What can I do?

Contact your child’s school 

   Contact your local public transportation agency - http://www.i5usa.com/public_transportation/

  Contact your school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) 

What are student assessments or standardized tests?

Student assessment and standardized tests are designed to measure your child’s aptitude and academic achievement level, plus identify areas for improvement

Depending on the type taken, the test will compare your child’s achievement level to state standards or to that of his/her peers

Some tests will assess if your child is meeting, exceeding or falling below the state standards

Some tests will compare your child’s achievement level against all other students at their grade level who took the test nationwide

Assessment tests are also used to help determine the academic performance of the school

Why are these Tests Important?

Monitor and measure what your child has learned

Help to identify the areas in which he/she may need additional assistance

Uncover school deficiencies or problem areas

College admission

Tests To Be Familiar With

• Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT);

• High School Exit Exam (HSEE);

• SAT I Reasoning Test (SAT); and

• American College Test (ACT).

What are the various college preparation programs currently available for middle school students?

To find out what other pre-college programs are available in your area, check with the school and with local community churches and organizations. Here are some programs that may be available in your area:

21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) California Academic Partnership Program (CAPP) California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)   California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP)   Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Puente Project Talent Search TRIO Programs University of California Links (UC Links) Upward Bound Upward Bound Math/Science

What are some of the existing support programs for parents?

To learn about groups offering programs in your area, inquire at your child’s school, the school district office and with community and faith-based organizations. Here are some sample programs that may be available in your area

• National Parent Education Network (NPEN)

• Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE)

• Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

• Parents as Teachers (PAT) National Center

• Parents for Public Schools (PPS)

• Partnership for Family Involvement in Education (PFIE)

Category: Parent Communication & Social

Issues

Job Role: Parent

What emotional changes and challenges should I expect in my middle school

student?

• Physical

• Mental/Emotional 

• Social  

How do I deal with a child who does not want to participate in school activities?

Discuss the benefits of participation with your child

Discuss positive outcomes of participation

Help your child choose activities that are of interest to him/her

What are the non-school related issues that my child may face during adolescence?

Highlighted below are some key factors that may prove challenging for your child during the adolescent stage of development:

• Separation

• Exploration

• Violence

• Peer Pressure

• Gangs

• Drugs and Alcohol

• Conflicts

• Nutrition

• Puberty

• Lack of Focus

• Self-Esteem

How do I communicate effectively with my child?Listed below are some ideas on how to have good, meaningful talks with your child:

Make Time to communicate with your child daily

Listen to what your child has to say

Reflect

Share your own views and opinions

Be Aware of the words you use

Watch your body language and the message it conveys

Encourage your child

Discuss

Is my child involved in too many activities?

Listed below are some common reasons why children are enrolled in extracurricular activities:

No other childcare arrangements To develop natural talent To develop social skills

Some signs of an over-scheduled child is:

Falling behind in schoolwork Headaches or stomach aches Missed meals Lack of sleep Stress/Depression Mood swings Constant fatigue