Helping more students go to college ready to succeed!
The goal of the College Readiness program is to increase the number of high school students eligible to take college-level coursework before graduation. In order to be eligible to take college level classes, students must meet the Texas Success Initiative’s (TSI) College Readiness Standards.
College Readiness staff and coaches advise and provide academic support to juniors and seniors who have not met the TSI College Readiness Standards.
College Readiness Coaches:
· help high school students prepare for college placement exams by providing academic support in reading, writing, and math
· work with students grouped by their specific academic needs
· receive training on how to use the College Readiness curriculum
· work alongside other volunteers, school faculty, and APIE staff
· bring relevance and insight to the college experience
· increase the likelihood of students’ success!
College Readiness volunteer opportunities are flexible! We ask our volunteers to commit to meet with students once (or more!) a week for 30-45 minutes between 3 to 16 weeks. We may also have several one day volunteer opportunities available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exams are students preparing for?
Which high schools participate in College Readiness program?
What are the TSI College Readiness Standards?
The College Readiness program targets students that have not met the Texas Success Initiative’s (TSI) College Readiness Standards.
The Texas Success Initiative is a state-legislated program designed to improve student success in college. Students entering college must meet the College Readiness Standards in math, reading and writing to be eligible for college-level courses at any public college or university in Texas.
In order to be College Ready, students need to score a 2200 on their exit-level English Language Arts (ELA) and Math TAKS tests and a 3 on the essay portion. (In order to pass TAKS for graduation, students only need a 2100 on the ELA and Math and a 2 on the essay). Students that do not become College Ready through TAKS can also meet the standard through SAT, ACT, ASSET, COMPASS, THEA, and/or ACCUPLACER.
Students may be required to take developmental courses when they enter college if they do not meet State-approved scores.
Why is College Readiness Important?
Students that do not meet the College Readiness Standards may be required to take development classes when they enter college. Developmental classes do not count for college credit, often have to be taken before students can enroll in college-level classes, can delay graduation, and ultimately make students less likely to earn a college degree.
What exams are students preparing for?
Students in the College Readiness Program are preparing to take the ASSET or COMPASS test. The ASSET and COMPASS were created by ACT, and are used by colleges and universities across the nation as placement exams.
What academic skills do I need to be a College Readiness Coach?
College Readiness coaches can choose to provide academic support in reading, writing, and math. You can choose to coach one, two, or all three!
· College Readiness math coaches need to know basic to intermediate algebra.
· College Readiness writing coaches need to be familiar with writing argument essays that include an introduction, thesis statement, supporting details, and a conclusion. In addition, writing coaches need to know basic grammar, spelling, and punctuation rules.
· College Readiness reading coaches need to have the ability to read and comprehend college-level texts.
What volunteer training is offered for College Readiness Coaches?
College Readiness coaches must attend a two hour training session prior to starting the program. The training includes information on what College Readiness Standards are and how they can affect students after high school; what students can do to prepare for their exams; and an overview of the curriculum volunteers and students will use.
Which high school participate in the College Readiness program?
· Akins High – South near I-35 and Onion Creek Pkwy
· Anderson High -Northwest Austin near Mopac & Steck
· Austin High -Central near Mopac & Cesar Chavez
· Bowie High -Southwest near Mopac & Slaughter
· Crockett High -South near Manchaca & Stassney
· Eastside Memorial High -East near Airport and 183
· Garza High -Central/East near MLK and Chicon
· Lanier High -North near 183 & Payton Gin
· LBJ High -Northeast near 183 & 290
· McCallum High -High North/Central near 2222 & Lamar
· Reagan High -North/Central near I-35 & 290
· Travis High -South near I-35 & Oltorf
What other services are provided to the high school students through the College Readiness Program?
In addition to academic support,
the College Readiness program also provides awareness through parent letters, parent phone calls, presentations to students and faculty, announcements, posters and other marketing materials.
The College Readiness team also provides advising for juniors and seniors that have not met the College Readiness Standard.
How can I sign up to become a College Readiness Coach?
Click on the ‘Volunteer’ link below and you will be taken to our Volunteer Center. Choose College Readiness from the Program choice box and you will see a list of choices.
