No Excuses-Just Results

Elementary Students Encouraged to Set College Goals

After reading the article, "Elementary Students Encouraged to Set College Goals," I was so inspired. I would love to try this kind of program at my school. The article showcases an Elementary school in San Diego. This school noticed that their students were ranking the lowest in their area and decided to take action. Instead of continuing with a traditional school set-up, this school added a twist.

The first thing that the school did was change the name to No Excuses University. Then instead of assigning classroom numbers, the classrooms were labeled a college name. In each classroom, the students learn about their college and operate as a unit. In addition to learning about the college, the students are also required to complete a career plan. This plan helps them start thinking about higher level education early in life instead of waiting until they are in high school.

Three additional ideas that I found interesting were:
*The parents attend training at the Parent University to learn skills to help support their child.
*The child completes a career plan and the parent reviews the college checklist.
*The school has reached out to the community and began training business volunteers, churches, and fraternities on the program so that they are able to support the students.

With students, parents, teachers, and the community all working toward a common goal, students have a better chance at achieving their academic goals. What a great idea!