Stephen M. Smith
President of advising and admissions solutions at Hobsons
First graders are preparing college wish lists. Fourth graders are taking campus tours.
Recent news stories about college and career readiness programs in middle and even elementary schools have intensified the debate about how soon might be too soon to plan for life after high school. Parents ask all the time: When should my child start planning for college?
In some ways, the answer depends on where you sit. Only 9% of students from low-income families earn a bachelor’s degree – an increase of just 3% points since 1970. During the same time period, completion rates for affluent students skyrocketed, from 40% to 77%. Sadly, the college completion gap is widening.
The statistics are reflected in competing narratives on the ground in classrooms and communities. We know that early planning can shift parent perceptions about affordability, foster high expectations, and support student aspirations. Yet some educators and parents argue that children already experience too much anxiety, with tough academic demands and “overscheduling” after school and on weekends in order to squeeze in robotics, soccer, coding, piano, language, or even yoga. “Shouldn’t we just let kids be kids?” they ask.
Through my work with K-12 schools and counselors, there are a few cross-cutting themes that savvy school leaders are using to shift the college planning conversation from “when” to “how” –improving outcomes without creating undue stress for kids and parents.
Start with strengths
Great college planning starts with helping students to explore their interests and think about what they do best. Starting with strengths encourages students to establish high expectations—and think critically about areas for improvement. The White House recently recognized schools in Howard County, Maryland, that have tapped Gallup research to implement a strengths-based approach to engaging and motivating students and staff. At one school, teachers, administrators –and even custodial staff –share their strengths with students to explain how their interests informed their choices and career path. Counselors at other schools are working to give extra support to help first-generation and homeless students prepare for college.
Build on aspirations
Students keep college and career options open if they make smart choices when they first have the chance to select language and math courses. Show them the big picture so that they understand how taking rigorous courses affects their path through high school. When students see challenging courses as opportunities rather than requirements, they become more engaged in school.
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