NAVIGATING THE SCHOOL SYSTEM. September 27, 2014 Whittier School Minneapolis, MN

Transcription

1 1 NAVIGATING THE SCHOOL SYSTEM September 27, 2014 Whittier School Minneapolis, MN

2 2 Agenda Welcome & Introductions Navigating the School System Navigating Your Options: Life After High School Rights of Undocumented Students

3 3 NAVIGATING THE SCHOOL SYSTEM

4 4 State and Federal Education System Federal Department of Education: - IDEA - No Child Left Behind - ELL Regulations Governor of Minnesota Minnesota Department of Education - District funding - Enforcement - Education Regulation Minnesota Legislature Education Code - Student & Teacher Conduct - State Assessment - Education Laws Local School Districts - School Policies - Student Discipline - Almost everything else

5 Overview of Local School System 5

6 6 Local Hierarchy Minneapolis Public Schools Board of Education Superintendent Associate Superintendents Office of Student, Family & Community Engagement School Principal Teachers School Employees

7 7 At Your School Principal Guidance and Career Counselors Teachers

8 8 Navigating the System Who to Contact Issues with your child s education 1) Teacher 2) School Family Liaison 3)Principal 4) Assoc. Superintend ent Issues with Discipline 1) Principal 2) School Family Liaison 3) Associate Superintendent 4) Office of Student, Family & Community Engagement

9 9 Navigating the System Who to Contact Issues with Special Education 1) Teacher 2) School Family Liaison 2) Principal 3) Office of Student, Family & Community Engagement 4) Special Education Department Issues with English Language Learners 1) Teacher 2) School Family Liaison 2) Principal 3) Multilingual Departmen t 4) Office of Student, Family & Community Engagement

10 10 Navigating the System Office of Student, Family & Community Engagement School Family Liaisons Resource centers Office of Student, Family, and Community Engagement

11 11 How to Work the System If someone can t help you, ask who can Ask for a supervisor or for different departments Ask if they can refer you to someone else who can help Keep asking, firmly but respectfully Do not stop until you find the best person to talk to

12 12 Navigating the System Solve It Informally Develop relationships With teachers, specialists, health providers, Call staff, ask for help Follow-up frequently Meet with key players Talk about issues Negotiate a solution Communication skills

13 13 Quiz You disagree with the school s decision to suspend your child from 5 th grade. What is the first step you should take? What should you do if this step doesn t work?

14 14 Quiz Your child is an English Language Learner (ELL) student. You believe s/he isn t getting enough support from the school in developing skills in English. What is the first step you should take to address this? What should you do if this step doesn t work?

15 15 Navigating the System Political Action Join local and school parent groups School Board Voting Elect school board members Vote on local education measures Get Organized Organize parent groups Advocate for policy changes Run for school board!

16 16 Navigating the System Records, Grades, and Transcripts How do I get my student s records or transcript? Download and submit form to Accounting Office

17 17 What should be on your transcript? Core Classes Core Classes English (ESL Levels 2-5 count for English credit) Social Studies 9 th = Geography 11 th = US History 10 th = World History 12 th = Gov/Econ Math 9 th = Algebra 11 th = Algebra 2/Trig 10 th = Geometry 12 th = Pre calc Science 9 th = Environmental Science (or Physics/Biology) 10 th = Biology 11 th = Physical Science (1 Sem. Of Chem. & 1 Sem. Of Physics) or 1 st year of Chemistry 11 th 12 th = Physics

18 18 What Should Be On Your Transcript? Electives Graduation Requirements Elective Classes: 2 Fine Art classes (you will have more than 2) 2 PE Classes (Fit for Life 1 & 2) 2 Health Classes (Health 1 & 2) Other electives will include Technology classes & PSEO (Post Secondary Educational Options) & Languages

19 19 Navigating the System Records, Grades, and Transcripts Credits What does my child need to graduate from high school in Minnesota? Subject 4 credits English/Language Arts 3 credits Mathematics (including algebra, geometry and statistics/probability) 3 credits Science (1 credit of biology plus 2 additional credits) 3.5 credits Social Studies (including U.S. history, geography, world history, government/citizenship and economics) 1 credit Art 7 credits Electives

20 20 Reading Your Transcript 4 Main Areas GPA (the point total of all your letter grades divided by the total number of classes taken) Class rank (Your GPA compared to all other students in your grade) Total number of credits earned Student s classes with grades (by year in school) A s = 4.0 C s = 2.0 F s = 0.0 B s = 3.0 D s = 1.0

21 Viewing your transcript

22 English 9 English 10 English 11 English 12 Q1-.75 Q1-.75 Q1-.75 Q1-.75 Credit Sheet Q2-.75 Q2-.75 Q2-.75 Q2-.75 Q3-.75 Q3-.75 Q3-.75 Q3-.75 Q4-.75 Q4-.75 Q4-.75 Q4-.75 (3 credits) (3 credits) (3 credits) (3 credits) Geography (Civics) World Studies US History Gov't Q1-.75 Q1-.75 Q1-.75 Q -.75 Q2-.75 Q2-.75 Q2-.75 Q -.75 Q3-.75 Q3-.75 Q3-.75 Q4-.75 Q4-.75 Q4-.75 Econ Q -.75 (3 credits) (3 credits) (3 credits) Q -.75 Algebra Geometry Algebra 2 Q1-.75 Q1-.75 Q1-.75 Q2-.75 Q2-.75 Q2-.75 Q3-.75 Q3-.75 Q3-.75 Q4-.75 Q4-.75 Q4-.75 (3 credits) (3 credits) (3 credits) Enviro Science Biology Phys Sci or Chem Physics (4th yr) T T Q1-.75 Q1-.75 T T Q2-.75 Q2-.75 Q1-.75 Q1-.75 Q3-.75 Q3-.75 Q2-.75 Q2-.75 Q4-.75 Q4-.75 Q3-.75 Q3-.75 Q4-.75 Q4-.75 (3 credits) (3 credits) (3 credits) (3 credits) PE 1 PE 2 Fine Arts - 1 Fine Arts - 2 Health 1 Health 2 T T T T T T Q1-.75 Q1-.75 Q1-.75 Q1-.75 Q1-.75 Q1-.75 Q2-.75 Q2-.75 Q2-.75 Q2-.75 Q2-.75 Q2-.75 This credit check form has all the required classes listed by class name (by subject) through the 12 th grade year. (1.5 credits) (1.5 credits) (1.5 credits) (1.5 credits) (1.5 credits) (1.5 credits)

23 23 Watch Out For Find all the core classes by subject you have passed and note them on the credit sheet If unsure about meeting the requirements for a core subject, count the total credits for each year in school You should have at least 3 credits in each core per completed school year Find all of the F s in your core subjects these will need to be made up

24 Watch Out For ESL & Bilingual classes ESL classes with a general subject name count as electives NOT as a core subject ESL SCIENCE AIB (elective) ELL ALGEBRA A (core) Summer school classes (done for makeup or to get ahead) Summer school/online classes do not get a letter grade, student receives credit

25 25 NAVIGATING YOUR OPTIONS: LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

26 26 Discussion Question What options do you think are possible for immigrant students after high school? Do your children have dreams after high school? Do you have dreams for them?

27 27 Life After High School There are many options after high school, such as: Going to college Entering an apprenticeship Getting a job Going to a technical school or trade school Resources to help make decisions: Teachers School counselors Vocational rehabilitation counselors

28 28 College Perks for Students Short-term benefits: Pick classes you are interested in Make your own schedule Take morning, afternoon, or evening classes You are treated like an adult You have more responsibility You make appointments with your advisor You choose to come to class on time Grades are usually not sent to your parents Long-term benefits: College graduates make, on average, $1 million more than high school graduates make College-educated individuals have much lower rates of joblessness More options of jobs with a college degree Those with college degrees are more likely to have better health, exercise more, smoke less, volunteer more, and vote more

29 29 Choosing College Different types: trade schools, community colleges, and 4- year universities at a state college or private university Going to college will help graduates make more on average than those with only a high-school diploma

30 What to Consider When Choosing a College Tuition Social settings Academics Size Location 30 Weigh the costs and benefits Reach out to people around you for advice

31 31 Trade/Technical Schools What is it? A school where to learn a special skill for a specific job Skills include: welding, mechanics, cosmetology, computer technology, and more Can often get a degree quickly Costs Vary on the program and the courses taken Social All peers are learning the same trade Can take classes online Academics Usually smaller classrooms

32 32 Community College What is it? 2-year program for an Associate Degree Many students transfer to a 4-year university after completion Costs Less expensive than a 4-year university Social Classroom setting May not have as many extracurricular activities Academics Usually open admissions Can be full-time or part-time and take as many classes as student chooses

33 33 4-Year University What is it? 4-year program for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree Costs Most expensive option Social Living in dorms or commuting Social clubs and athletic opportunities Academics Choose a variety of degrees Can continue to an advanced degree program after graduation

34 34 Public vs. Private University Private What is it? Privately owned Can be religiously based Public State-funded university Costs Most expensive Avg semester cost including room and board - $30,094 Social Smaller campuses Athletics and social organizations Academics BA or BS degree Usually smaller classes 1 on 1 time with professors Less expensive Avg cost including room and board- $8,893 Larger campuses Athletics and social organizations BA or BS degree Size Smaller Larger

35 35 Preparing for College Students need the following to apply to college: A completed application to the college High school transcript ACT or SAT results from Letters of recommendation from people who are not family members

36 36 SAT/ACT Tests Accommodations on the SAT and ACT tests for: Extended time Taking the test in a different room. Getting ready: Take private classes offered by companies, for a fee Buy practice books or check them out from the library Join a study group at school

37 Paying for College There are many ways to get financial help to pay for school: Going to school in-state Financial aid from the college Scholarships from the community Merit based, need based, private Federal loans (apply using a form called FAFSA) Private loans through local banks On-campus jobs Living at home Starting at a community college, then transferring to a 4-year university 37

38 MN Colleges Offering In-State Tuition Alexandria Technical College Anoka-Ramsey Community College Anoka Technical College Bemidji State University Central Lakes College Century College Dakota County Technical College Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College Hennepin Technical College Inver Hills Community College Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minnesota State College-Southeast Minnesota State Community and Technical College 38 Minnesota West College Normandale Community College North Hennepin Community College Northland College Northwest Technical College Ridgewater College Riverland College Rochester Community and Technical College St. Cloud Technical College Saint Paul College South Central College Southwest Minnesota State University University of Minnesota, Crookston University of Minnesota, Morris

39 Financial Aid Financial aid is money that helps pay for college such as scholarships, private loans, government loans, and grants Almost all colleges and technical schools have a Financial Aid Office 39 Ask your child s high school guidance counselor about financial aid options

40 Scholarships A scholarship is money used to pay for college. Many students usually apply and compete for scholarships. There are many types of scholarships. Scholarships can be based on athletics, good grades, financial need, cultural backgrounds or ethnicities, and more. Talk to your child s financial aid office, your high school counselor, or use the Internet to find different scholarships. The Minnesota Dream Act can help immigrant children pay for college 40

41 Entering the Workforce Going to college is a great idea for some, but it isn t the only option. Students can enter the workforce or get an apprenticeship, (work experience paid or unpaid that provides skills while actually working). For Special Education students: Job goals can be written into the IEP in high school. School counselors or vocational rehabilitation counselors can help students plan ahead to learn the skills necessary to get a job. Help your child set long-term career goals. 41

42 42 RIGHTS OF UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS

43 43 Right to a Free Public Education: Education is a Human Right Education is a right It is protected in the Minnesota Constitution It is a human right Education is for all students For people of all races and income For all countries and languages For all children with disabilities

44 44 District Responsibility to Provide Education: A Free Public Education Public education for all Including all children of school age who live in the district Public education must be free No fees for school supplies No mandatory donations No fees for special education services

45 45 Rights of Immigrant Students & Parents Immigration status does not matter Living in school district is enough Immigrants are guaranteed the same education as everyone else Undocumented Immigrants: Same right to K-12 education No fees required Includes extra-curricular activities

46 46 District Responsibilities Towards Immigrant Students & Parents Education must be the same Equal quality education for immigrants District cannot ask for immigration status They do not need it. Parents do not have to provide it If asked, parents can say it is not needed and give other forms of information i.e. Proof of residency in the district

47 16 District Responsibilities Towards Immigrant Students & Parents: ELL School districts must help ELL students: overcome language barriers ensure they can participate meaningfully in educational programs (Lau v. Nichols (1974)) School communications should be in the parent s native language when possible Required for special education meetings Not required for conferences Can always ask for translation/interpretation

48 District Responsibilities Towards Immigrants Enrollment information 48 The school can require: Birth certificate, BUT foreign certificate must be accepted. Proof of residency (a utility bill, a lease, or other information). Immunization records. A school can NOT require the following. They should not even ask for: Proof of citizenship for the parent or child. Proof of immigration status for the parent or child. The school can ask for the following but the parent does not have to provide it: Social Security Numbers Race Ethnicity and National Origin

49 49 Plyer v. Doe (1982) Schools are not immigration enforcers Schools cannot share student s immigration status Schools may not inform other agencies about a student s status

50 50 Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color or national origin be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

51 51 Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 School districts may not, on the basis of race, color, or national origin: Provide different services, financial aid, or other benefits or provide them in a different manner Restrict an individual's enjoyment of an advantage or privilege that is enjoyed by others Deny an individual the right to participate in federally assisted programs Defeat or substantially impair the objectives of federally assisted programs Deny equal access to education because of a student's limited proficiency in English.

52 52 Title VI Violations Excluding students participation in school because of their inability to speak and understand English Assigning minority students to special education classes because of their lack of English skills Designing dead-end track programs for ELL students that are not designed to teach them English Not providing school notices to parents whose English is limited in a language they can understand

53 53 Quiz 1. Should you or your child ever be asked about your immigration status at your child s school? NO. 2. What section of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states that schools may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin? Title VI. 3. What did Plyer v. Doe determine? Schools are not immigration enforcers, cannot share student s immigration status, and may not inform other agencies about a student s status.

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