1. http://impactnews.com/austin-metro/san-marcos-buda-kyle/hays-cisd-officials-acting-to-increase-college-readiness/
2. Category of Problem/Issue identified in article: Education
3. Level of Problem/Issue: Local Level
4. An "enacted" policy that has been passed to help with a problem/issue that individuals/families face.
5. Why this is important to individuals/families OR How does this affect individuals/families: This is important to families/individuals because in 2010-2011, students in Hays county were 4 to 5 percent points behind in the state average for the three college-readiness subject areas: math, English and a composite of the two. The opening of ACC in Kyle and House Bill 5 will help students engage in pursuing classes that are relevant to their interests as well as save thousands of dollars in tuition and classes, giving them an advantage.
6. What are your views on the issue/policy? I am completely supportive of Hays CISD trying to prepare students for college and launching the Planning For Tomorrow Today program. It would be beneficial to anyone in school by saving them the time and money towards college and giving them an advantage in what is to be expected in universities. According to Joann Hall, she stated how it "helped me with time management" and "it prepared me to think a bit differently." I think it's a great idea to get students thinking about college and how to be prepared for it. House Bill 5 was passed in june that would allow students to specialize in certain areas to help engage students to pursue classes relevant to their interests. This is beneficial to all students, letting them explore all options that they have and possibly saving them time in college on choosing a degree. Many students in universities often change their degree at least once when they take a class towards their major and decide it is not for them. One of the goals is for students to make a smooth transition to a university or community college. For those that are against House Bill 5, the bill includes a provision that can opt a student out of this opportunity with permission from their parent or guardian. I don't see why a parent would want to opt their child from this opportunity, but if they decide to, they are allowed to oppose. I think it is a great opportunity for students to better prepare for college as well as give them an advantage in what is to come.
I agree with this policy and support the idea of Hays CISD preparing students for college earlier. With my personal experience when I first attended college I was not sure on choosing a major because my school did not help us engage in our interest. The main focus was to just past the TAKS test so the school can have an high percentage rate. I definitely support this policy because if HISD allowed us to explore options it would have saved me a year and a half and plenty of money. If some parents do not agree it is great that they at least have an option, but I don't see why they would prevent their child for such a great opportunity.
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