Our future depends on education. But how do we know that our schools are working the way that we all hope and not just for some students, but for all students? It’s a question that educators and elected officials across the country constantly struggle with. Unlocking the answer requires us to go beyond once-a-year achievement... Continue Reading →
Making a Career and Academic Plan Equitable and Trackable across Your District
The US population is more diverse than ever. We now count more than 300 million people with unique cultures, identities, and backgrounds. Younger groups are even more diverse. The post-millennial generation (1997-2012) is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in US history. There is also a diversity of choices for students. Not every student... Continue Reading →
Counseling in Action: Increase Equity for Underserved Students
While conversations of equity primarily focus on socio-economic factors, there's a different kind of equity issue in schools that often overlooks underserved students: those pursuing futures that don't involve college. Helping students explore and engage in their options isn't easy, and supporting all your students is no small feat when they severely outnumber counselors. Add... Continue Reading →
Scholarship Programs for Student Dependents of U.S. Military Members
Each branch of the United States military provides some type of educational assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, and low-interest loans to dependents of active-duty, retired, and deceased service members. Eligible students can pursue these resources, in addition to traditional avenues, to fulfill their educational and career goals. Read on… Veterans Administration Benefits The... Continue Reading →
The Value of Course Planning
Why do I have to do this now? I am only in ninth grade. How am I supposed to know I want to do? Faith, our career and education advice columnist, received this question the other day. It’s a common concern. After all, the world is changing quickly – what’s the point of making plans?... Continue Reading →
Admissions Streams: A Parent’s Guide
What exactly does early admission mean, and how do you know which if it is right for your student? Before you can answer that, you need to understand the different ways that colleges admit students. Most students apply to college under regular admission. Deadlines can be anywhere from December to February, and students know if they're accepted... Continue Reading →
XAP at NACAC: How We Can Help with College Application Challenges
"May you live interesting times." You've probably heard that expression before - it's often credited as being a Chinese curse. However, researchers haven't been able to find any evidence to support this, and, like many often-quoted expressions, there is some debate on the Internet about its origins. One thing is certain: "interesting times" can be... Continue Reading →
Helping Students Meet Their Goals
Do you have goals for the new school year? That was the question we asked students using our Choices360 site last week - and the results were impressive! A full 80 percent of students said they were starting the academic year with some goals in mind. Of course, many students also start of the school... Continue Reading →
A Parent’s Guide to Helping Teens Organize College Applications
You made it through the newborn days, handled the toddler and teen years with style, and now you're facing the arduous task of helping your son or daughter apply for college or university. Does the fun ever end? Now is a good time to start the year off on the right foot so you avoid... Continue Reading →