Magical 7

 

We have all heard of the magical, mystical powers associated with the number 7. From the seven wonders of the ancient world, Snow White and her 7, 007, seven hills of Rome,  seven layer dip, 

7 Habits of Highly Effective People, 7 year itch, 7-11, 7 deadly sins.......

Allow me to introduce you to the new 7 -- The Seven Keys to College Readiness from Montgomery Public Schools in MD. 

You may know that college and career readiness are the new buzz words in education. What does it mean? According to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), College and Career Ready means that an individual has the  knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for success in postsecondary education and economically viable career pathways in a 21st century economy.  Sounds great, not so sure??? Read these Seven Keys.

Key One: Advanced Reading in grades K-2 and give them the foundation upon which higher level skills will be built.

Key Two: Advanced reading skills in grades 3 - 8. Watch the MCAS results and read the item analysis. Advanced readers will stay on the college path-way and have better problem solving and thinking skills. Good readers read!!

Key Three: Advanced math in grade 5. Stay ahead in math and develop conceptual thinking skills. Go from 2 dimensional to 3 dimensional shapes, use manipulatives and have some fun with math! If you're not at that level, seek remediation from after school programs or  a tutor.

Key Four: Algebra I in grade 8. Pass with a C. This is a benchmark for better scores on SAT's and is a great predictor of college success.

Key Five: Algebra II with a C or above. Students who complete Algebra II are TWICE as likely to graduate college in a timely manner.

Key Six: Take AP Classes. AP classes are college level classes and entail more thinking, reading, writing and discussing. Encourage your child to take at least one in high school.

Key Seven:  1650 on the SAT's or 24 on the ACT. These scores allow the student to be competitive with others for top colleges and / or get the edge for any career choice or community college and you won’t have to take remedial classes in college.

For more info http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/keys/

Think about these figures.........

• In the next 10 years, 1/2 of all jobs will demand some college.
• 1/3 of freshmen entering college need remedial classes.
• 30% of students enrolled in a four year school earn that degree within 4 years!
• $1,200,000 -- average lifetime earnings for a high school graduate.
• $2,100,000 -- average lifetime earnings for a college graduate. (Almost TWICE)