Embedded Files
TAKING ACTION TO IMPROVE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OUR GUIDANCE CURRICULUM:
The Weslaco East High School Counseling Team delivers a vertically aligned postsecondary planning sequence that builds from early exploration to transition readiness. Ninth and tenth graders complete interest inventories and career pathway lessons, while juniors engage in college and military option exploration and seniors participate in targeted workshops on college applications, financial aid, and scholarships. In fall 2024, counselors partnered with senior English teachers to deliver “College Application Readiness” lessons, followed by "FINANCIALOPOLY: PATHWAY TO YOUR COLLEGE FINANCIAL PATH STARTS HERE!" and in-class FAFSA completion events.
DATA CONNECTION TO DRIVE PROGRAM GOALS
Our CCMR Survey data indicated that only 63% of students felt confident in preparing for life after high school and CCMR data by TXCan (Texas College Access Network) showed 78% of the class of 2024 completed FAFSA by the end of their senior year. In response, the counseling team set a 2024-25 goal to increase postsecondary confidence and financial-aid completion through structured guidance lessons and family engagement events by 5%.
Data for the class of 2024 shows that at the end of the school year (May 2024) we had a completion of 78% for FAFSA.
RESULTS: Data for the class of 2025 shows that at the end of the school year (May 2025) we had a completion of 87% for FAFSA.
ARTIFACT: ENHANCING WILDCAT RELATIONSHIPS: STRENGTHENING OUR GUIDANCE CURRICULUM
Activities targeting POSTSECONDARY PLANNING (FINANCIAL AID):
September: Advisory Lesson - Money Hunt for 9th-12th
October: Guidance Lesson for all Seniors through English IV class
October:
December: Financial Aid Night Part Dos
January-April: One-on-one follow ups through English and Government class
January-April: Financial Aid Fridays with TAMUK Trio
TIER 2: October classroom guidance lessons and financial aid workshops for all classroom seniors in partnership with local colleges to help complete financial aid and scholarship applications.
TIER 1: September Advisory Lessons for grades 9-12 given through advisory class. Students will understand the importance of postsecondary and financial planning.
Following the financial aid lesson, students completed a reflection exit ticket measuring confidence in completing FAFSA. Pre-survey data showed only 58% felt confident, which increased to 86% after participation.
TIER 3: From January through April, CCMR team in partnership with Texas A&M - Kingsville Trio Program hosted one on one appointments and Financial Aid Fridays to follow up with students pending their financial aid application.
Copy of LESSON: Financial Aid & Scholarships Activity: Money HuntWORKING HAND IN HAND WITH STAKEHOLDERS:
The Weslaco East High School Counseling Department collaborates with parents, community members, and organizations such as Youth Connection and Beyond Differences to address all guidance curriculum areas and support student growth. Through these partnerships, counselors help students strengthen communication skills, understand personal boundaries, and build healthy relationships. Using a data-driven approach, the team ensures that individual planning, guidance curriculum, responsive services, and system support are fully integrated into the program. The Counseling Advisory Council and Parent Specialist provide valuable stakeholder input, ensuring family needs are met. Counselors maintain ongoing communication through Google Classroom, School Messenger, social media, Remind 101, newsletters, Counselor Chats, and advisory lessons, ensuring that parents and community partners remain informed, involved, and invested in student success.
Page updated
Report abuse