College Readiness

Tri-Agency Regional Convenor

Region One was selected as the Tri-Agency Regional Convenor, a Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative by The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Workforce Commission, and Texas Education Agency to represent WDA-Lower Rio.

The Tri Agency Convener will develop a regional education-workforce partnership system that is composed of representatives from postsecondary (IHE), workforce development board, and various
staff from the regional convener organization and diverse representation to ensure the entire workforce development area (WDA) is served. Representatives bring together holistic subject matter expertise of regional and local career and education pathway initiatives to build infrastructure and facilitate regional pathways implementation to address Regional strategic pathways alignment, regional work-based learning, regional data infrastructure, and Regional communications.

The Tri-Agency aims to provide all Texans with access to high-quality education and workforce training that empowers them to achieve their full potential and help Texas grow in economic prosperity.

House Bill 5 Update

This training provides legislative information, changes and requirements that impact high school graduation for new secondary Counselors and staff or those that would like a refresher course to support district and campus practices and procedures for graduation. Texas Administrative Code Chapter 74.

Curriculum Requirements Subchapter B. Graduation Requirements

§ 74.11. High School Graduation Requirements § 74.12. Foundation High School Program
§ 74.13. Endorsements
§ 74.14. Performance Acknowledgments 

Effective Advising Framework (EAF)

The Effective Advising Framework provides a clear vision for planning, implementing, and evaluating
an effective advising program in the context of a comprehensive school counseling program to support students’ academic and career development in grades K-12. This Framework has been designed as a collaborative statewide effort by representatives from education, workforce, military, and community-based organizations. The EAF Coach convenes with districts through the development of an Effective Advising Program aligned to the EAF.

Contact: Jennifer Avelar, javelar@esc1.net

CCMR Symposium

Region One ESC hosts an annual CCMR Symposium
to bring together professionals from educational, industry, and military fields. Breakout sessions focus on CCMR options including a review of the coding best practices, ways to enhance current district CCMR options, and the opportunity to visit with college, industry, and military personnel who share insights, expertise and opportunities available for students. Contact: Melissa Lopez, mlopez@esc1.net

House Bill 5 College Prep Course Workshops

House Bill 5 (HB 5) requires school districts to partner with at least one Institution of Higher Education (IHE) to develop and provide college preparatory courses in Mathematics and ELA for 12th grade students

who have yet to demonstrate college readiness. In partnership with RGV Focus and all five local area IHEs, Region One developed two standardized, regional college prep courses, which became implemented in classrooms during the 2014-2015 academic school year. Workshops overview is as follows:

• HB5 Introduction for Teachers or Educators new to the program- ELA

• HB5 Introduction for Teachers or Educators new to the program- Math

• 3 HB5 ELA Workshops for New and Returning Teachers- Fall Semester

• 1 HB5 Math Workshop for New and Returning Teachers- Fall Semester

• 3 HB5 ELA Workshops for New and Returning Teachers- Spring Semester

• 1 HB5 Math Workshop for New and Returning Teachers- Spring Semester

• 1 End of the Year Meeting for ELA Teachers • 1 End of the Year Meeting for Math Teachers

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Institute

This Institute provides TSI Mathematics and English Language Arts teachers with an overview of the TSI diagnostic, an in-depth look into the TSI blueprint, and an opportunity to begin the dialogue on TSI
best practices and proven instructional approaches. The session addresses several levels of support for Teachers to address the content needs of the student. Also included is a College Readiness Series Framework that addresses the various needs of college and career readiness.

View more information on the TSI Institute

Click Here

The Calm Room

Participants will learn to better manage stress, anxiety, and balance their social emotional needs
to maintain a healthy mind. The Calm room is a designated stress-free space to learn and utilize self- care techniques for emotional wellness, examples may include but not limited to:

• Calm Room setup and location scouting
• Breathing techniques
• Art therapy
• Laughter yoga
• Meditation
• Aroma therapy
• Guided imagery
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Practicing mindfulness

Student Voice: Acknowledging the Power of Students’ Stories

Participants will learn about the value of student voice and how it can impact creativity, self-advocacy, and ultimately the college admissions process. By acknowledging the power of students’ stories, schools can gain a deeper understanding of each applicant’s unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions. Through interactive discussions and activities, attendees will discover effective strategies for helping students develop their writing skills and find their unique voices to enhance their college admission and scholarship application essays.

Overall, this session will provide valuable insights and practical tools for educators and administrators who are committed to promoting student voice and empowering students to succeed. (Grades 9-12)

Middle School Playbook for College and Career Readiness

The Middle School College and Career playbook is a comprehensive tool to inform, educate, and guide students and their families toward their post secondary plans and pursuits. It consists of an interest profiler and curriculum-based activities to further explore careers in the student’s area of interest, as well as provide a review of high school endorsements, industry-based certificate opportunities, programs

of study options, and financial aid resources. The Playbook explains the importance and benefits of taking advanced courses in high school, as well as exploring post secondary institutions and military options. The playbook provides a guide for students with disabilities for transition and self- advocacy. It also contains a graduation checklist with requirements and information on college entrance and placement exams. It is a great resource for mental health through social and emotional learning. It has an array of academic support, career exploration, and life readiness through its numerous guides and resources.

Customizable for your district, no cost for technical assistance, only playbook cost.

High School Playbook for College and Career Readiness

The High School College and Career playbook is a comprehensive tool to inform, educate, and guide students and their families towards their post- secondary plans and pursuits. It consists of an interest profiler and curriculum-based activities to further explore careers in the student’s area of interest as well as reviews high school endorsements, industry- based certificate opportunities and programs of study options. The high school playbook explains the importance and benefits of taking advanced placement (AP) courses as well as explores post- secondary institutions and military options. It also provides an extensive scholarship list as well as the FAFSA process for financial aid planning to pay for post-secondary education. The playbook provides a guide for students with disabilities for transition and self-advocacy. It also contains a graduation checklist with requirements and information on college entrance and placement exams. It is a great resource for mental health through social and emotional learning. It has an array of academic support, career exploration, and life readiness through its numerous guides and resources.

Customizable for your district, no cost for technical assistance, only playbook cost.

Family Playbook for College and Career Readiness (Bilingual)

The Family College and Career Playbook is a comprehensive tool for families to inform, educate, and guide themselves and their child into post- secondary and career pursuits. The playbook provides the TEA Testing Calendar, including STARR, TELPAS, and other important testing dates. The playbook

also includes an interest profiler, workforce, and certificate pathway transition information to further explore careers. The playbook supports parents to have conversations with their child about areas of interest and programs of study options. The Family Playbook explains the importance and benefits of taking advanced placement (AP) and IB courses, as well as explores careers, post-secondary institutions, and military options. It provides a step-by-step explanation of the FAFSA process, a graduation requirement, to obtain financial resources and pay for a post-secondary education. It is a great resource that includes video, via QR codes, for viewing strategies

to learn social and emotional learning. It has an array of support, community resources, career pathway exploration, and life readiness through its numerous guides and resources.

Customizable for your district, no cost for technical assistance, only playbook cost.

 

Our specialists support teachers, advisors and school counselors with navigating the landscape of standardized college entrance exams, including the TSIA.

Workshops and professional development equip educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively prepare students for success on these exams. We ensure that educators are well-equipped to assist students in achieving their highest potential by providing guidance on test format and content, offering strategies for effective test-taking and facilitating practice sessions. With our specialized training and resources, educators can confidently navigate the complexities of college entrance exams, empowering students to excel and pursue their educational goals.

Test support is available for:

• SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
• ACT (American College Testing)
• TSIA (Texas Success Initiative Assessment)

Our specialized support equips administrators and counselors with the tools and resources necessary to effectively guide students on their paths to post-secondary success. From developing CCMR initiatives and programs to providing training on CCMR coding and reporting requirements, we ensure that educators have the knowledge and skills to support students in exploring and preparing for college, careers, and military service. With our assistance, administrators and counselors can implement strategies to enhance CCMR outcomes and empower students to achieve their academic and career goals.

Through workshops, seminars and informational sessions, we educate students and educators about the different types of financial aid available, including grants, scholarships and student loans. Additionally, we provide guidance on the application process for financial aid, assisting students in completing forms and meeting deadlines.

Financial Literacy

Our focus on financial literacy extends beyond traditional financial aid avenues. We also offer resources and support to help students understand essential financial concepts, such as budgeting, managing debt, and establishing credit. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions, we empower them to take control of their financial futures and pursue their educational aspirations with confidence.

To support financial literacy in the region, we partners with local financial institutions to create the Deep South Texas Financial Literacy Alliance. Comprising various community organizations, educational institutions and financial experts, the alliance works together to provide resources, workshops and educational programs focused on enhancing financial literacy skills among students and residents.