Aldine ISD to focus on college readiness

It’s never too soon for students to start thinking about college.

With that in mind, Aldine ISD will make a concerted effort during the 2008-09 school year to assist students and their parents about the steps they need to take to enter college once they receive their high school diplomas.

Aldine ISD, along with Cy-Fair, Goose Creek, Houston and Spring Branch, are participating in the Preparing to Dream program, a three-year initiative sponsored by Houston A+ Challenge and the National College Access Network. This initiative is funded through a grant from Houston Endowment.

The goals of the initiative are:

•Increase the number of students pursuing a post-secondary education

•Increase the number of students successfully completing college preparatory or accelerated learning classes (honors, advanced placement and dual credit)

•Improve college entrance exam and placement scores

•Increase the number of students completing college admissions and financial aid forms in a timely manner.

AISD will have a districtwide focus on college readiness and will strive to create a culture among its students to encourage them to go to college. Additionally, the Preparing to Dream campaign will raise public awareness of the importance of a post-secondary education for all students. The district also wants to prompt students and parents to take action now to plan, prepare and pay for college.

The initiative will be led by Dr. Charlotte Davis, director of guidance and counseling, and Twiana Collier, coordinator of student financial aid. Counselors at all campuses will spend time counseling students regarding post-secondary options. Additionally, financial aid sessions will be made available to high school students in the fall and spring and for middle school students in May. Scholarship and financial aid information will also be placed on the district’s website (www.aldine.k12.tx.us).

“The Preparing to Dream initiative represents a great opportunity for Aldine students,” said Superintendent Wanda Bamberg, Ed.D. “We have always had a focus of trying to help our students and community identify opportunities and scholarships for college. This initiative will help us revise and focus our efforts to reach more students and make college a reality.”

For more information, contact Collier at (281) 985-6649.