College Readiness/GEAR UP Digital Learning Activities


Grade 6 - 8

Title: The Road to College and Career: Get Your Skills in Order
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:
  1. View the Google SlideThe Road to College and Career: Get Your Skills in Order and follow the prompts.
  2. When directed, complete the following worksheets, as instructed:
    1. The Road to College and Career: Study Skills Worksheet
    2. The Road to College and Career: Study Habits Worksheet
    3. The Road to College and Career: My Plan of Action Worksheet
  3. After completing the worksheets, watch the videos provided at the conclusion of the slide for more ways to get your skills in order!


Resources:The Road to College and Career: Get Your Skills in Order -https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1VSbwQpAAJ244GEQoY2YKoHoYH27cA4lxJGCiOrn8Wh0/copy
The Road to College and Career: Study Skills Worksheet -https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hDrGLtIP16e_VqR7wCeYcaY2Dm9G-7ZELh8UM5vHdYQ/copy
The Road to College and Career: Study Habits Worksheet -https://docs.google.com/document/d/15MW8g-03aEtWCQMTkk5vPJ39lVeIQUV2X2srdP3SKsw/copy
The Road to College and Career: My Plan of Action Worksheet -https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A5IrjSu9cFTXCI_gQRiN8wa6ctOR97zS4_zskk-x4UM/copy

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Grade 9

Title: Strategies for Skills for Success- Study Skills
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Study habits for success:Getting started is the hardest part when it comes to having a study plan! At the end of thislesson you will be able to identify the habits and requisites you need to create a plan that worksfor you! This lesson will help you identified the key points below:
Key Points:● Start small.○ Break down a large project into the necessary individual tasks, and calendar out time to get to each one.● It doesn’t have to be perfect.○ Revision and editing are important steps, don’t expect the first thing you put on paper to be finished work.
● Minimize distraction.○ Find a space that will help you stay focused, and put away items that will distract you, like your phone. Close unnecessary tabs on your computer!
● Rely on an accountability buddy.○ It’s hard to stay on task all the time. Ask a friend or family member to check in on you and your deadlines. Consider forming a study group!
● Stick to your study plan.○ It’s worthwhile to outline how you will manage and complete a project at the onset. Map it out for yourself and work backwards from the deadline to make sure you budget enough time to submit your best work.
Activity 1: Read the following articleLink: Study Habits for Success-Create your Work Plan!Activity 2: Review the text on information about how to develop a work plan when studying for an assignment.Activity 3: Worksheet: Take a look at the sample and create your Work Plan; You will outline a project or homework assignment in order to identify all the required steps to completing the task on time.
Resources:

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Title: Strategies for Skills for Success- Time Management
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Time Management Skills
Finding a healthy balance between school, work, and a social life can be challenging, but it will only get more complicated in college. By implementing time-management strategies now, you’ll be ahead of the game. Not only will these skills translate help you now as you finish High School but also to your future career, as well. The choice is yours: time-management champion or procrastinator? Which will you choose?
  • Start a To-Do List. Start each day with a list of what you need to accomplish, starting with the most important tasks first.
  • Know Your Limits. If you find your to-do list is getting too long, it may be that you have over-extended yourself
  • Bring Work Along
  • Schedule Everything
  • Don't Procrastinate


Activity 1: Watch the following Video -The management tips for high school students: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=779uEQ8qyeUActivity 2: Answer questions about Time Management here: Time Management Activity 2-Questions
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Title: Strategies for Skills for Success- Test-Taking Skills
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Test-Taking Skills (PSAT 10 and PSAT/ NMSQT)
Every October in high school, you will take a standardized test. Below is the list of tests per grade:9th Grade- PSAT 8/910th Grade PSAT1011th Grade PSAT/NMSQT ( Scholarship Qualifier)12th Grade SAT
Each of these tests are approximately 3 hours in length and they focus on your English, Math, and writing skills. The purpose of these tests is to prepare you for the SAT, a test that is used in college admissions. These tests also show you where you are in regards to college readiness.
Activity 1: Listen to the following videohttps://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat/new-sat-tips-planning/sat-strategies-general/v/psatnmsqt-inside-scoop-khan-academy-interviews-the-college-board-1042016
Activity 2: Read the following links to give you pointers regarding the tests:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM_9KkEaaY8https://blog.prepscholar.com/psat-prep-tipsActivity 2a: List 4 things you can do to prepare for the PSAT
Activity 3: Begin practicing for the PSAT 10 or PSAT/NMSQTActivity 3a: Create a collegeboard account
  • Visit www.collegeboard.org
  • Create an account (please use your personal email account)
  • Save your login information
Activity 3b: Link your CollegeBoard Account to Khan Academy
  • Visit www.khanacademy.org
  • Create an account
  • Link your Collegeboard Account to your Khan Academy Account
    • This is the ensure you receive a personalized study guide from Khan Academy
Activity 3c: Create an online study schedule for October 2020
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Grade 10

Title: Strategies for Skills for Success- Study Skills
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Study habits for success:Getting started is the hardest part when it comes to having a study plan! At the end of this lesson you will be able to identify the habits and requisites you need to create a plan that works for you! This lesson will help you identified the key points below:
Key Points:
  • Start small.
    • Break down a large project into the necessary individual tasks, and calendar out time to get to each one.
  • It doesn’t have to be perfect.
    • Revision and editing are important steps, don’t expect the first thing you put on paper to be finished work.
  • Minimize distraction.
    • Find a space that will help you stay focused, and put away items that will distract you, like your phone. Close unnecessary tabs on your computer!
  • Rely on an accountability buddy.
    • It’s hard to stay on task all the time. Ask a friend or family member to check in on you and your deadlines. Consider forming a study group!
  • Stick to your study plan.
    • It’s worthwhile to outline how you will manage and complete a project at the onset. Map it out for yourself and work backwards from the deadline to make sure you budget enough time to submit your best work.


Activity 1: Read the following link: Study Habits for Success-Create your Work Plan!Activity 2: Review the text on information about how to develop a work plan when studying for an assignment. Activity 3: Worksheet: Take a look at the sample and create your Work Plan; You will outline a project or homework assignment in order to identify all the required steps to completing the task on time.
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Title: Strategies for Skills for Success- Time Management
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Time Management
Finding a healthy balance between school, work, and a social life can be challenging, but it will only get more complicated in college. By implementing time-management strategies now, you’ll be ahead of the game. Not only will these skills translate help you now as you finish High School but also to your future career, as well. The choice is yours: time-management champion or procrastinator? Which will you choose?
  • Start a To-Do List. Start each day with a list of what you need to accomplish, starting with the most important tasks first.
  • Know Your Limits. If you find your to-do list is getting too long, it may be that you have over-extended yourself
  • Bring Work Along
  • Schedule Everything
  • Don't Procrastinate


Activity 1: Watch the following Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=779uEQ8qyeUActivity 2: Answer questions about Time Management here: Time Management Activity 2-Questions

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Title: Strategies for Skills for Success- Test-Taking Skills
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Test-Taking Skills (PSAT/ NMSQT)
Every October in high school, you will take a standardized test. Below is the list of tests per grade:9th Grade- PSAT 8/910th Grade PSAT1011th Grade PSAT/NMSQT ( Scholarship Qualifier)12th Grade SAT
Each of these tests are approximately 3 hours in length and they focus on your English, Math, and writing skills. The purpose of these tests is to prepare you for the SAT, a test that is used in college admissions. These tests also show you where you are in regards to college readiness.
Activity 1: Listen to the following videohttps://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat/new-sat-tips-planning/sat-strategies-general/v/psatnmsqt-inside-scoop-khan-academy-interviews-the-college-board-1042016
Activity 2: Read the following links to give you pointers regarding the tests:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM_9KkEaaY8https://blog.prepscholar.com/psat-prep-tipsList 4 things you can do to prepare for the PSAT
Activity 3: Begin practicing for the PSAT/NMSQTCreate a collegeboard account
  • Visit www.collegeboard.org
  • Create an account (please use your personal email account)
  • Save your login information
Link your CollegeBoard Account to Khan Academy
  • Visit www.khanacademy.org
  • Create an account
  • Link your Collegeboard Account to your Khan Academy Account
    • This is the ensure you receive a personalized study guide from Khan Academy
  • Create an online study schedule for October 2020


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Grade 11

Title: Check College Board - priority registration for spring tests
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Task 1- Login to CollegeBoard.org Step 1: Select 'Sign In' in the upper right-hand corner of the websiteStep 2. Sign in, or go to 'Forgot username or password' to help get your log-in information. If you do not have an account click 'Create Account' NOTE: This will be your permanent account -- you can only make one account!

Task 2 - Register for the SATStep 1: Watch video. Link: Link to video: When Should I Take the SAT?Step 2 - Open this week’s Google Slide document.Link: Link to Interactive Assignment: Register for SAT ActivityStep 3 - Read and complete each activity when prompted.Step 4 - Submit your assignment in Google Classroom.

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Title: Practice Tests
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:**All students should take at least one practice test before actually taking the Standardized Test.
**This will help with anxiety, fatigue & confidence when taking the test.
Watch testimonials before completing the following task:Link: Official SAT Practice Success Stories
ACT Practice Test
The ACT is a national college admissions examination that consists of subject area tests in English, Math, Reading & Science.The ACT with writing includes the four subject area tests plus a 40-minute writing test.**ACT results are accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the US.
Link(s): The ACT English Practice Test QuestionsThe ACT Test Math Practice Test QuestionsThe ACT Reading Practice Test QuestionsThe ACT Science Practice Test QuestionsThe ACT Writing Sample Essays
SAT Practice Test
Practice plans personalized to your strengths on Khan Academy, there are 8 real, full-length practice tests students can take.In total students who practice for 20 hours or more are usually associated with 115 points score gain combined on their actual standardized test.
Step 1: Read the SAT content & format article. This will help you understand the expectations of the standardized test.Link: SAT content and format (article)
  • Some colleges rely on standardized tests to accept future students.
    • Additional information can be found under the GPA activity.

Step 2: Go to the Khan Academy link that will direct the student to take the diagnostic practice test.Link: Math Practice & Reading & Writing- This will show you where your strengths & weaknesses are ranked in each category of the SAT.**For this activity complete the first quiz in each section for Math as well as Reading & Writing.Step 3: Once you’ve completed at least one quiz in each section (Math/Reading & Writing) look at your results from each section to schedule areas to improve on in each subject which will be broken up by category.
Step 4: Create a practice schedule that will help you create lesson plans for future sessions.
Resources:https://docs.google.com/document/d/17nWaKRqlgWqsuVcnWC8Gz43lwQHIJqxXot-LKe7XpbU/copyhttps://docs.google.com/document/d/19fKf1av3T3l1zUzq4GyAq9B3XpXnCs0byiDoCT2KcgA/copyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrgfIQvKOTU

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Title: Calculating GPA
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:No account creation needed for this activity:*Students click the link under Link to interactive assignment to understand how to calculate your GPA
Task 1:Steps for the GPA CalculatorStep 1 - Watch both videos on calculating GPALinks: How To Calculate Your GPA In College & How to calculate your Grade Point AverageStep 2 - Pull up Academic Plan Progress Report then click on the GPA Calculator link to start calculating your own GPA.Link: High School GPA CalculatorStep 3 - Click on Semester Title then enter "Freshman"Step 4 - Next you will click on course to enter each class you have taken so far during your Freshman year.**Course information can be found on your Academic Plan Progress Report that can be pulled from School Net.**You will see your classes listed by Grade per subject.**If you have more than 4 classes please select add a course to enter any additional courses as needed.Step 5 - Click add semester and title it "Sophmore" then “Junior”Step 6: You will repeat the process of step 4.
Task 2:College Simply: College Finder Match
No account creation needed for this activity:
Step 1: Click on College Simply LinkStep 2: Scroll down to "Locate colleges you can get into with your high school GPA"Step 3: Enter the GPA you received from Calculate your GPAStep 4: Select Pennsylvania under College Location.Step 5: Select College Search to see what colleges you currently qualify to attend.
**You will also see a list of reach and safety schools that will be determined by increasing your GPA in the upcoming years in high school.
Guide to Colleges Based on High School GPA. Search Colleges by GPA.
Resources:https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vZvdp98PB-1Ww8UN_VmCcO_Ivf1T-N1chAH5INZXXlE/copyhttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1qH6z4Cmp7Gfeu6cCtYjwwMu5nF-T1NXWqgTqOjEJtMY/copy

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Grade 12

Title: College academics entrance assessment prep (e.g. Accuplacer)
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Step 1: Read Article Link to Text- What Are College Placement Tests? Link: Link to Text: What Are College Placement Tests? Step 2: Explore the most common Placement Test - ACCUPLACERStep 3(a): Practice for ACCUPLACERLink: Link to Interactive Assignment (b) Suggested- Download the Accuplacer App and download resourcesStep 5: Watch video to learn about the content of the ACCUPLACER Reading test and Writing test Link: Link to Video: ACCUPLACER Reading and Writing Tests**Different college require different placement test, check with your college to see what is required

Resources:https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1HOe-ThM1KGUFCyVv9XDmu0GAq6JXiEt6R3N9q1dBvSs/copyhttps://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges/academic-life/what-are-college-placement-testshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVavWTe-fck&list=RDCMUCwSrz4e55Y6fnHiPUmXXIzg&start_radio=1https://www.playfactile.com/accuplacer
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Title: Pre-college summer programs
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Grade 12: Activity - Pre-College Summer ProgramsHave students get a head start on their college journey which offers an early opportunity into the life on a college campus extending more than what the college visit or college tour experience offered. This experience will include the rigors of the academics, in depth exposure to the facility and the faculty. Many colleges and universities have different processes as well as an application to complete, and additional fees not included in the student’s COA (Cost of Attendance). Also good to have students research college fly-in programs, where a college or university will cover some to all of the cost for a student to attend an institution during a designated visiting week. The fly-in opportunity is usually tailored to underrepresented students, and the staff will speak to the services available on campus.

Link to interactive assignment:12th Grade - Pre-College Summer Programs Activity
Step 1: VERY IMPORTANT - Save this document by adding your name to the end of the document’s name, for example, College Sort Activity-Malcolm J.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS ~ click File, then select Make a copy, then click Entire presentation
Step 2: Page 2 is a mock notepad clipboard. You will see 6 mini-note sheets where you will type your notes by clicking inside the box. Use this clipboard to help you get organize for your pre-college summer program. There are 6 “sticky-notes” for you to record important information regarding each topic: Registered for your Program, Completed your FAFSA (and any other FAFSA questions or concerns), Payment obligations, Assessments (tests) that are required of you, Have you requested and confirmed that your final HS transcript was sent out to your college of choice, and last but not least, have you confirmed your attendance to your New Student Orientation - whether it will be virtual or in-person)
Step 3: Use Page 3 for additional note-taking
Step 4: Page 4 is your checklist to help guide you through some of the steps. Click the red check marks to move them into the smaller boxes to indicate that you have completed that task
Step 5: Before submitting your Pre-College Summer Programs Activity, please complete the Feedback Form so your teacher or counselor can assist you for further research regarding your questions or concerns about Pre-College Summer Programs.
Links to text:https://gradlime.com/pre-college-summer-programs/

Other Link:Save this link for as a reference for next year support (if you’re a junior watching this)2019 Summer Pre-College Programs with Financial Aid

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Title: What to expect from Freshman Orientation?
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Grade 12: Activity - What to Expect from Freshman Orientation?Colleges and universities initiated freshman orientation for incoming college freshmen to help ease the transition into college. It is a way for students to meet other students, familiarize themselves with campus life, make new friends, and possibly register for their fall classes. NOTE: In most colleges, freshman orientation is mandatory.
Link to interactive assignment:This activity is created to motivate students to not give up so easily, request assistance when necessary, and to have a clear understanding that you can do whatever you set your mind to with tenacity and patience.12th Grade - What to expect from Freshman Orientation Activity
Step 1: VERY IMPORTANT - Save this document by adding your name to the end of the document’s name, for example, College Sort Activity-Jalen R. FOLLOW THESE STEPS ~ click File, then select Make a copy, then click Entire presentation
Step 2: Look at the shapes as your “key” to fill in the blanks for each math equation.
Step 3: {Page 2} Once all of the algebraic equations are completed by matching the shapes to the numbers look on the next page to solve the puzzle. {Page 3} Refer to the 26 letters of the alphabet to fill-in the blanks...to complete this message especially for you - Words of Encouragement.
Step 4: Included here at the very end of this document is a page for you to take notes.
Step 5: Before submitting your Activity, please complete the Feedback Form so your teacher or counselor for further research regarding what you should expect from the freshman orientation.

Links to text:5 Things I Wish I Knew at the Beginning of My Freshman Year7 Things to Expect From Your Freshman Orientation7 Freshman Orientation Must-Do'sWhat to Pack for Summer Orientation
Link to video:Orientation ExperienceA Temple University ExperienceFreshman Orientation
A Drexel University Experiencehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKC1kolnHSQ
An Hbcu Experiencehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkdQpiLjRG0
Lincoln Universityhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNqa84nULNY

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