Navigating the Path to Graduation

Local parents of students from elementary through high school gathered at Broadneck High School recently to learn what they need to do to ensure their child is successful and ready for college or the workforce.

Michelle Shipley of Cape St. Claire said she was there to see exactly what she needed to do for her children in elementary and middle school.

"I want to learn what I should do to make sure they get what they need," she said.

So when should parents start worrying about shaping their child’s educational process?  High school? Middle school? According to local guidance counselors, it is never too soon.

“Requisite skills, or required skills students need to have before they progress to the next level, begin to be used in second grade,” said Jennifer Laque, guidance counselor for Cape St. Claire Elementary School.

Parent attendees were given a list of these skills that identify students in ability groups in elementary grades. Once students are in fourth grade, their MSA scores are also added when deciding the level of instructional depth the students receive.

At this time of year, a team of fifth grade teachers, guidance counselors, and other staff meet and discuss each fifth grade student’s educational track placement for middle school. The group uses factors like fourth grade MSA scores, grades, work habits, and motivation. Once the group comes to a decision about where to recommend the student proceeds academically in middle school, parents are given a form with that information.

“We hope this evening demystifies the process,” said Kim Baicar, guidance counselor of Broadneck Elementary.

Though the school makes its official recommendation, parents still have a say in what classes their child is offered. “If you feel strongly that your child should either do more or less, you should contact your child’s teacher,” advised Baicar. “You can then officially request to make a change.”

In middle school, students who have potential but might need a little extra push to the next level, are offered the opportunity to apply for AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) where they practice learning good work habits.

Though students are placed on different academic tracks, they can always move up or back, depending on a variety of factors. “We realize that kids aren’t one size fits all,” said Christine Shaughnessy, guidance counselor at Severn River Middle School. “If a parent feels strongly, we listen.”

If students are placed on the advanced academic track in middle school, they begin to take high school credit classes (Algebra I, Geometry, and a foreign language).

“If they aren’t ready, they can always re-take the class in high school,” said Broadneck High School guidance department chair Jennifer Evans.

Ms. Evans also discussed the option of advanced high school students taking Advanced Placement courses in a variety of topics. “Many colleges provide college credit for these classes if students do well on the AP exams,” said Evans.  “These courses are very rigorous, really college-level.”

Baicar said that when touring colleges with her daughter, admissions officers said that Advanced Placement courses were looked on very favorably. “They said they would rather see a B in those courses than an A in regular courses.”

At the end of the program, Magothy River Middle School principal Chris Mirenzi said that although the school system has a comprehensive way of assessing a child’s potential, the main point of the program was to encourage parents to be highly involved in their child’s educational placement throughout the K-12 process.

“You are the most important advocate for your child,” he told the audience. “You are encouraged to be involved and stay involved.”