POSTSECONDARY ACCESS FOR LATINO MIDDLE-GRADES STUDENTS NY State Middle Level Liaisons May 7, 2009 A project of Education Development Center, Inc

POSTSECONDARY ACCESS FOR LATINO MIDDLE-GRADES STUDENTS

NY State Middle Level LiaisonsMay 7, 2009

A project of Education Development Center, Inc.

www.palmsproject.netwww.palmsproject.net

Copyright Education Development Center, 2009 – All rights reserved

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• Consider the significance of the middle grades in college access

• Introduce a resource for developing a college-focused outreach program

• Present a case study of a school that is building a college-going culture among Latino students and parents

PRESENTATION OBJECTIVES


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ABOUT PALMS

• Our mission is to strengthen the ability of schools to partner with families and communities in supporting Latino students’ pursuit of education beyond high school.

• We conduct research, develop products, and offer services to assist school leaders who share our mission.


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FUNDERS & PARTNERS

• Lumina Foundation for Education

• Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation

• LULAC National Educational Service Centers

• National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform


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WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Research shows that the following factors are key determinants to college attendance:• Having college plans at least by 7th

grade• Attending a college-focused high

school• Having families who expect you – and

can help you – to go to college

Source: “Building a College-Going Culture: Lessons from Best Practices and College Access Advising.” Presentation by Patricia McDonough at National College Access Network Conference. Los Angeles, CA. November 9, 2007


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PALMS ACTIVITIES

• Parent Outreach Study (2004)

• Tools for Latino Family Outreach (2005)

• Student Outreach Study (2005)

• Implementation Study (2006-09)

• Outreach Leaders Network (2007-09)


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Why are you telling us to think about

college? We’re still in

middle school!


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College-going culture in Grades 6, 7, and 8


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Download free at www.palmsproject.net


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POCKETS OF EXCELLENCE

Principal’s Coffees

Campus Visits

Themed Nights

Open House

Unarticulated or unclear goals

Little to no time for reflection


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KEY FEATURES OF TOOLKIT

• Research-based process– Study of Parental Outreach Practices– Organizational and Community Development

• Flexible and adaptable– Each program will be unique– Tailored to the strengths and goals of each

community

• Field tested– Usability of materials and effectiveness of

process– Extensive practitioner feedback


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PURPOSE & AUDIENCE

• Guides school leaders through a process for developing an outreach PROGRAMPROGRAM

• Applicable to all grade levels

• Outreach can target any under-represented group


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WHAT MAKES A PROGRAM A PROGRAM?

• “It’s ongoing, organized, structured, and coherent.”

• “It has clear goals, tangible outcomes, and visible leadership.”


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• “To create systemic change.”

• “To expand the impact of pockets.”

• “To evaluate whether goals were met.”

• “To be able to replicate and sustain your efforts.”

• “To make your work marketable.”

WHY BUILD A PROGRAM?


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TOOLKIT FORMAT

Self-facilitated materials guide a school team in planning, implementing, and assessing outreach efforts. Small group sessions are used to plan school-wide outreach to students and parents.


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STARTING

VISIONING

PLANNINGMAPPING

DOING

ASSESSING

PATH TO A PROGRAM


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PALMS SITES


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CASE STUDY:HOMMOCKS MIDDLE SCHOOL


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DEMOGRAPHICS & REASONS FOR ACTION


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FACILITATING THE PALMS PROCESS


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PADRES UNIDOS VISION STATEMENT

The school will be a space that is inclusive, participatory, and unified, conducive to the growth and development of all members of the educational community. We are motivated by the highest expectations and a firm commitment to use all available resources in order to provide families with the necessary tools to guarantee our children full access to higher education.


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THANK YOU!

• Stay in touch and join our mailing list

• Contact us:–[email protected]–[email protected]

Documents

POSTSECONDARY ACCESS FOR LATINO MIDDLE-GRADES STUDENTS NY State Middle Level Liaisons May 7, 2009 A project of Education Development Center, Inc