BACKGROUND
In November 2007, the National College Access Network, Houston A+ Challenge and teams from five Houston-area school districts (Aldine, Cypress-Fairbanks, Goose Creek, Houston and Spring Branch) launched the four-year Preparing to Dream initiative - a data-driven effort to help school districts transform policies and priorities toward a stronger college-going culture, especially for low-income and first generation students.
 
TIMELINE
During the 2007-08 school year, each school district assembled vertical teams consisting of district officials, principals, teachers, parents and students to analyze student achievement data, college-going rates and trends, district demographics and current college access programs.  Teams were assisted by nationally recognized data coaches and core team coaches of Texas educational leaders.  Data was used to identify problems, establish priorities, and develop implementation plans for three-year initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes and transforming district culture.  Starting in the 2008-09 school year, these plans are now being put into action.
 
INVESTMENTS
Preparing to Dream is supported by a $3.54 million grant from Houston Endowment, a local philanthropic organization that has also heavily invested in Achieving the Dream, a nationwide initiative to improve access, persistence and attainment at the community college level for the same student populations.
 
During the first year, each district received a $25,000 planning grant to assist their work, in addition to support through coaching, conferences and sharing of best practices. Three-year 'investment' grants of $225,000 will allow them to enact their diverse action plans.  District matching funds are also used.
 
TG, a nonprofit student loan guarantor for Texas families, provides an additional $142,000 in funding for student and parent engagement in Preparing to Dream via focus groups, trainings and learning sessions.
 
 
OBJECTIVES
Through the course of the initiative, school districts aim to increase rates of postsecondary enrollment (especially for low-income, first-generation students) and chart intermediate student outcomes, including:
Successful completion of college preparatory curriculum
Completion of accelerated learning courses (honors, AP and dual credit/enrollment)
Attainment of high-quality scores on college entrance exams
Completion of the FAFSA in time to take advantage of financial aid opportunities
Qualification, while in high school, for credit-bearing courses in college, by passing rigorous high school courses, especially in English and Math, and college placement tests
 
PARTNERSHIPS
In addition to cross-district collaboration, a regionwide coordinating board engages business, civic and higher educational leadership in the initiative.  The coordinating board includes representation from the Greater Houston P-16+ Council, the Center for Houston's Future and the Greater Houston Partnership, NCAN and Houston A+ Challenge.
 
MORE INFORMATION
Contact Scott Van Beck
Executive Director, Houston A+ Challenge
(713) 658-1881 or svanbeck@houstonaplus.org