Walton County School District

College and Career Readiness

College and Career Ready Walton County

College and Career Readiness

Students starting out in college or a career need to be well prepared. The transition from high school or the workforce to college can be a challenge for some students, especially those who are not aware of the expectations and requirements for entering college level coursework. Once admitted to a college, students may take a college placement test to identify the appropriate courses for the individual’s skill level. The resources below provide information regarding college and career readiness in Florida.

Definition

Students are considered college and career ready when they have the knowledge, skills, and academic preparation needed to enroll and succeed in introductory college credit-bearing courses within an associate or baccalaureate degree program without the need for remediation.  These same attributes and levels of achievement are needed for entry into and success in postsecondary workforce education or directly into a job that offers a gainful employment and career advancement.

Knowledge

To be considered “college and career” ready, students must demonstrate mastery of the Florida Postsecondary Readiness Competencies in English and mathematics that have been identified through a cross-sector collaborative effort by Florida’s K12, college and university faculty. Students demonstrate proficiency by achieving passing-level scores in reading, writing and mathematics on the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test or an approved alternative. Students scoring below state-adopted common cut scores in these discipline areas are required to enroll in and successfully complete developmental education (remedial) courses in the areas of their deficiencies prior to enrollment in postsecondary, General Education, college-credit courses.

Higher levels of demonstrated competence in mathematics, language arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences increase the options available to a student (e.g., selective university enrollment, high-skill occupation) and the likelihood that a student will succeed in postsecondary education and the skilled workforce. These higher levels of competency may be measured by SAT and/or ACT scores, in addition to earning postsecondary credits through AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, or AICE programs; or by earning state-approved industry certifications.

Skills

Students who succeed in higher education and the workforce tend to demonstrate a maturity that is evidenced by the following observable dispositions and behaviors which have been identified by Florida postsecondary faculty as well as business and industry leaders:

  1. Effective communication skills
  2. Critical thinking and analytical skills
  3. Good time management skills
  4. Intellectual curiosity
  5. A commitment to learning

Academic Preparation

To be considered for admission to a degree program in a Florida postsecondary institution all students must, at minimum, possess a standard high school diploma or its equivalent as defined in Florida statutes and State Board of Education rule. Additionally, for students to attain the knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to support “college and career” ready standards, it is recommended that all currently enrolled Florida secondary students successfully complete a minimum of 16 high school credits in core content areas that include:
  • 4 credits in mathematics including Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2
  • 4 credits in English that include grammar, writing, and literature
  • 3 credits in science that include the physical, life and earth space sciences
  • 2 credits in foreign language, these 2 credits must be in the same language (for state colleges and universities)

COLLEGE AND CAREER EXPLORATION

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)

It is estimated that by the year 2020, two-thirds of all jobs will require some level of postsecondary education. AVID prepares students for 21st century careers each day by providing the academic and behavioral skills necessary to succeed in the workplace. Organization, time management, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving are strong components of the AVID System. AVID includes career exploration in its secondary curriculum, develops partnerships with organizations to help students find pathways to careers, and supports and prepares students in degree and certificate programs to be successful in the workforce.

AVID Logo

FloridaShines

FloridaShines exists to empower all of Florida's 20,000,000 residents to earn a college degree and find a bright career. Whether you're in high school just starting to think about college or you're already working and ready to earn or complete your degree, FloridaShines can help. FloridaShines offers the resources and support you need.

FloridaShines works with the state's 40 colleges and universities and other partners to help you succeed in school and beyond. Check your transcript. Register for an online course. Search libraries across the state. And a whole lot more. All designed to help you shine.

Career Shines

BigFutures College Board

The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity.

Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education.

Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT and the Advanced Placement Program. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools.

Big Futures

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.  It is your source for career exploration, training and jobs.

Career One Step

MyNextMove

My Next Move is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration, and developed by the National Center for O*NET Development.

My Next Move

Mapping Your Future

A public service, nonprofit organization. Mapping Your Future provides programs and initiatives to help people achieve financial wellness and lead successful lives.

Mapping Your Future

Senior Calendar - College Prep

MyPlan

MyPlan.com helps students and professionals plan more fulfilling lives by making well-informed decisions about their education and careers. Whether you’re deciding on what college to go to, choosing a major, planning ahead for your first career, or thinking about making a career change, MyPlan.com can help you explore options and bring clarity and insight into figuring out what’s right for you. 100% independent and unbiased, MyPlan.com gives you the truth about colleges, careers and majors. Our research and data is the most comprehensive you’ll find anywhere on the subject. And, with dozens of easy-to-use tools, we’ve made getting to that information convenient, simple and fun.

My Plan

The Career Project

The Career Project is a free online database of thousands of career profiles. Each “career profile” is the result of a one-on-one interview with a professional. We started this site to help students and young professionals to get the “inside scoop” as to what its really like to work in a given field, or with a given job title that may peak their interest.

Career Project

Sunshine State Scholar

If you are one of the top 11th grade students in Walton County in the area of Engineering, Mathematics, Science or Technology you could be selected as a Sunshine State Scholar.

For more information about Sunshine State Scholars visit http://www.fldoe.org/academics/sunscholars/ and 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M-KnN9VTqM&feature=youtu.be

Talented Twenty Program

The Talented Twenty program was part of the Governor Bush Equity in Education Plan and applies to High School Seniors who rank in the top 20 percent of their graduating class.  The purpose of the program is to guarantee admission to students who succeed in their respective K-12 public schools, and to encourage students to strive for better grades and pursue rigorous academic courses.  Students eligible for the Talented Twenty program are guaranteed admission, within space and fiscal limitations, to one of the 12 state universities.

These students are considered a priority for the awarding of funds from the Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG), a need-based grant. (Talented Twenty students must meet FSAG eligibility requirements in order to be eligible for priority funding)
Please note that while eligible students are guaranteed admission at one of the state universities, they are not guaranteed admission to the university of their choice.
For more information about the Talented Twenty Program visit http://fldoe.org/schools/family-community/activities-programs/talented-twenty-program/

Talented Twenty Brochure

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement (AP) courses offered by the College Board is one method where students may earn postsecondary credits while still in high school.  Participating colleges and universities set their own standards for awarding postsecondary credit to students who score well on AP exams.  Qualified secondary students shall be exempt from the payment of any fees associated with administering exams in either program.

For additional information about Advanced Placement please contact your school counselor.

COLLEGE PLACEMENT TESTS

College Board SAT

PSAT

Description: The test is split up into three different sections. You’ll have 60 minutes to answer 47 reading questions, 35 minutes to answer 44 writing questions/tasks and 70 minutes on 48 math questions. Like the new SAT, you will not penalized for wrong answers — or for guessing, essentially. Not used to determine college admissions; intended to help students prepare for the SAT. Same format as the SAT, but shorter – a test of verbal and mathematical reasoning.

Usually Taken: During your junior year, though you may wish to take it sooner for practice.

Tips and Strategies: If you do well on the PSAT (and meet additional academic requirements), you may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program (a nationally distributed merit-based scholarship). Only scores from the junior year are used to determine qualification for National Merit Program. For more information visit: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.htm

SAT

Description: Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing; 200 to 800 for Math; 2 to 8 on each of three dimensions for essay. Essay results reported separately. The test is split up into three different sections. You’ll have 65 minutes to answer 52 reading questions, 35 minutes to answer 44 writing questions/tasks, 80 minutes on 58 math questions and 50 minutes for the essay.

Usually Taken: Spring of your junior year or fall of your senior year (or both, if you want a practice run).

Tips and Strategies: It used to be that the SAT carries a “wrong answer penalty.” If you guessed right, you gained a point; if you guessed wrong, you were penalized. Now, you can guess without risking your SAT score. You can retake the test to improve your score, but your college will send all available scores to your prospective college, including the results of tests you have taken previously. The SAT does not allow students to send only their latest and/or best scores. For more information visit:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/SATI.html

Pert 2

P.E.R.T.

The Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (P.E.R.T.) is Florida's customized common placement test. The purpose of the P.E.R.T. is to determine accurate course placement based on the student's skills and abilities. The P.E.R.T. is aligned with the Postsecondary Readiness Competencies identified by Florida faculty as necessary for success in entry-level college credit coursework. The P.E.R.T. assessment system includes Placement and Diagnostic tests in mathematics, reading and writing.

The (P.E.R.T.) Placement is administered to students in public high schools and Florida College System institutions to determine readiness for Intermediate Algebra, MAT 1033, and Freshman Composition I, ENC 1101. The P.E.R.T.assessment is a computer adaptive test (C.A.T.) with 25 operational items that will be the basis of the student's placement score and five (5) field test items which are designed to continuously enhance the operational test bank.  For additional information concerning the P.E.R.T. go to http://www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/common-placement-testing.stml

ACT College Testing Logo

ACT

The ACT test is the nation’s most popular college entrance exam accepted and valued by all universities and colleges in the United States. The ACT is based on what students learn in high school and provides personalized information about their strengths for education and career planning. Find everything you need to know about registration, test prep, scores and more at this link.

Description: Three-hour exam; 215 questions; measures achievement in English, math, reading and science. The ACT Plus includes an optional 40-minute writing test. Scores on each section are averaged to create a composite score. Perfect score is 36. Students in the Midwest and South generally take the ACT.

Usually Taken: Spring of your junior year or fall of your senior year (or both, if you want a practice run).

Tips and Strategies: Your score is based on the number of correct answers ONLY. If you aren’t sure, take a guess – it can’t hurt you and it could help. Harder questions are worth the same amount as easy ones. Answer the easy questions first and leave the more time-consuming questions till the end.

TABE

The TABE is an admissions exam utilized at Technical Colleges.  The new TABE 11&12 tests are secure, reliable, and valid assessments used to assess the achievement of examinees on core content areas taught and assessed as part of Adult Basic Education programs nationwide. The TABE test is aligned to the national College and Career Readiness Standards for the three core subject areas: Reading, Mathematics, and Language.

TEST PREP RESOURCES

SAT Test Prep Resources

Khan Academy

SAT Practice

Accredited Schools Online

ACT Test Prep Resources

ACTPrep.com

Union Test Prep

Varsity Tutors

Princeton Review

Accredited Schools Online

PERT Test Prep Resources

Union Test Prep

Mometrix

Test Guide

TABE Test Prep Resources

TABE Test Resources

Test Guide

Mometrix

Additional Test Prep Resources

Petersons.com

Prep Factory

Power Score

JobCorp

JobCorps helps eligible young people ages 16 through 24 complete their high school education, trains them for meaningful careers, and assists them with obtaining employment. At Job Corps, students have access to room and board while they learn skills in specific training areas for up to three years. In addition to helping students complete their education, obtain career technical skills and gain employment, Job Corps also provides transitional support services, such as help finding employment, housing, child care, and transportation. Job Corps graduates either enter the workforce or an apprenticeship, go on to higher education, or join the military.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

MyCareerShines

MyCareerShines can help you land the career of your dreams. Learn about yourself. Explore careers. Make a plan for education. Prepare for work.

FloridaShinesStudent Webinars

Standard Diploma Requirements - Academic Advisement - What Students and Parents Need to Know 

UCanGo2 High School Student Workbook

Talented Twenty - Frequently Asked Questions

Find My College Major

Discover Business

10 Things Job Applicants Should Know

TedEd Lessons Worth Sharing - Click Your Future

Click Your Fortune is an interactive, choose-your-own-adventure style series that literally feeds questions from students to knowledgeable experts around the world.

USA Gov - Career Videos for Kids

Jobs and Career Information - Find information about different career fields.

Career Kids

The information provided here is for students who are looking for career information as they research careers in career exploration programs. Let us know if there are other careers you would like us to include, or if you find links that aren't working anymore. Also, we would love to hear of additional career information resources that would be helpful for students doing their career research.

Florida Department of Education College and Career Readiness

We Are Glad You Are Interested in the Florida College System Brochure

First Time in College Undergraduate Admissions - General Information

State University System of Florida

Florida Students Achieve - High School

Career Key College and Career Readiness for School Counselors

College Day - Middle School Activities

TeacherCertificationDegrees.com

CONTACT INFORMATION

Coordinator of Instructional Support Services

Chris Brown

Walton County School District

145 Park St. 

DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

850-892-1100 ext. 1515

850-892-1195 (fax)

Walton County School Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, political or religious beliefs, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law in its educational programs, services or activities or in its hiring or employment practices.  Retaliation against an employee for engaging in a protected activity is prohibited.  The Board also provides equal access to its facilities to the Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth groups, as required by the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act.
Lack of English skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation.  The district may assess each student’s ability to benefit from special programs through placement tests and counseling, and, if necessary will provide services or referrals to better prepare students for successful participation.
Applicants/individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may call the District’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer, 145 Park Street, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435, 850-892-1100, ext. 1111, for assistance.