How to Keep Students on Track for Future Readiness Amid COVID-19
Parents and educators may be feeling added stress as kids try to keep up with school and friends while isolating at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. How do you ensure your students/kids continue to engage with future-readiness while homebound?
Tips in this article include:
- Stay on top of your children’s college applications
- Arrange virtual campus tours
- Use school counselors as a valuable resource
- Review college requirements
- Arrange virtual job shadowing opportunities/Interviews
- Use the right future planning software (can easily be done virtually)
COVID-19 ACP Resources for Juniors, Seniors, and their Families
Students and families are experiencing unprecedented levels of anxiety and uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic. Juniors and seniors along with their families may be feeling this more deeply as they prepare for a major life transition upon graduation. Even students who considered their postsecondary plans set may be rethinking their decisions in light of the drastic change in circumstances. Here are some academic and career planning (ACP) resources that can be helpful.
For some students and families, this can be an ideal time to explore careers using virtual tools. Your child may be looking at the world through new eyes and rethinking how they want to make an impact through a future career. Featured Resource: Xello Most middle and high school students in Wisconsin have access to an online program called Xello that can be used for virtual career exploration and college planning. If your child does not know how to access his/her Xello account, contact a school counselor. Additional resources for families from Xello include: Empower your students to explore career options through take-home assignments Keeping students engaged outside the classroom: Using Xello on mobile Other Virtual Career Exploration Resources Student Career Info: This site offers free, on-demand, recorded and live career interviews with Wisconsin professionals, and is searchable by career cluster. Most students currently participating in dual enrollment courses for college credit this semester were able to transition to a virtual learning format in order to complete the course. Any specific questions regarding dual enrollment should be directed to your school district and/or the college or university granting the credit. For more information about dual enrollment in Wisconsin, go to: https://dpi.wi.gov/dual-enrollment. AP/IB Credit State-certified work-based learning programs have modified the requirements for the 2019-2020 school year due to the pandemic. These modifications may include the number of hours required, related instruction requirements, and a suspension of the existing training agreement. Program specific changes: Department of Workforce Investment Youth Apprenticeship COVID-19 updates Department of Public Instruction Skill Standard Co-op COVID-19 updates Questions regarding local work-based learning programs should be directed to the school district. Students have many options for postsecondary education and training. It’s important to find the right fit! Click on the topic of your choice: Article: Jobs That Pay Over $55k, and You Only Need a High School Diploma Department of Workforce Development - Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: Transition Services Two- and Four-Year College Options Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (private colleges) Wisconsin Tribal Colleges Whether your child is looking for a summer job or a full-time ongoing job opportunity after high school, some industries are hiring. In-Demand Jobs In-Demand Jobs from the Job Center of Wisconsin - Note: you may need to create a free account to search for jobs in your specific area. Article: Jobs in Demand During COVID-19 Article: Companies Are Still Hiring During COVID-19—Here Are 85 That Want Your Applications Now Remote Jobs for High School Students Job-Seeking Resources Free Resume Builder: https://www.livecareer.com/resume-builder Free Resume Builder: https://www.resume.com/ Article/database: 100 Top Job Interview Questions—Be Prepared for the Interview Special Education Resource: Opening Doors to Employment This is an effective way to develop new skills, explore careers, and make a difference! Click on the topic of your choice: Virtual College Tour Resources Xello: Most students in Wisconsin have a Xello account. Go to “Explore Schools” and find the college you wish to explore. Scroll down to the campus map located on the school profile. Drag the pegman onto the map to open the street view. Use your mouse to “walk” around the campus! Virtual Tour links for WI Colleges: Curated by counselors from the Wauwatosa School District Resources may include information on changes regarding final transcripts, admission deadlines, admission review, placement testing, and summer orientations due to COVID-19. University of Wisconsin COVID-19 admissions updates: This site includes information regarding final transcript requirements. Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities COVID-19 updates: Scroll down to “COVID-19 College Updates." NACAC’s college admission status update: This is a central resource of information about changes in college admission as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Impact of COVID-19 on College and Course Decisions American School Counselor Association Toolkit: Choosing a College When You Can’t Visit Campus Universal Transfer Agreements between Wisconsin Technical Colleges and UW Colleges: This is for students who may need to start at a college closer to home but eventually plan to transfer to another Wisconsin school. Article: Which College Majors May Be Influenced by the Pandemic? Article: Here's How to Pick a College During Coronavirus Article: 5 Classes You Should Take Online...and 5 You Shouldn't What to do when your financial situation has changed due to COVID-19 NACAC enrollment deposit fee waiver: For students experiencing significant financial hardship NACAC application fee waiver: For students experiencing significant financial hardship Free Resource: Contact a UW Extension Financial Educator Free Resource: Contact AFCPE® certified financial counselors and coaches Article: How to Ask for More College Financial Aid Due to the Coronavirus Article: Coronavirus and College: Funding and Support for Students Special Education: Homeless Youth: Five Strategies to Help Homeless Youth Transition to College During COVID-19
Most colleges do not yet know if courses will be conducted in person, online, or in a blended format this fall. As graduating seniors think about course selection, they may want to consider the possibility that some or all of their courses could be virtual.