nyc middle school process
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
an in-depth look at
understanding
The Middle School Process
Jacquie WayansJacquie Wayans is the assignment editor and on-camera voice of Insideschools. She offers workshops and advice for parents on school choice. She is a co-author of the New York City Best Public School guides and has visited more than 250 schools. Most importantly, she is the mom of three public school children. A Bronx resident, she served on the Community Education Council for District 10 for the 2009–10 school year.
The Middle School Choice Process
Empowering Parents
1The Timeline
2The Choices
3The Process
The Timeline
What do you need to do and when
1
Middle School Choice Timeline
October Middle School
Directory, OLSAT &
Mark Twain RFT
Distributed
Oct - Dec Open House
Events
October Middle
School Fairs
October Return
Request for Testing (RFT)
November Middle School
Applications Distributed
December OLSAT Testing
December Deadline for
Return of Middle School
Applications
Jan – Feb Mark Twain
Talent Testing
Jan – Feb Student
Interviews and Testing at Selected
Middle Schools
May Decision
Letter Distributed
June Appeal Decision Letters
Distributed
http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/Middle/Calendar/default.htm
Middle School Directories Distributed - October
Middle school fairs-October
• Come prepared to ask questions
• Visit as many schools represented at the fair as you can
• Sign their sign up sheet*
• Talk to the administrators and students
• Find out dates for their Open House or School Tours
• Pick up any applications
Request for Testing - October
Open House Calendar – Oct. – Dec.
Request for testing receipt - October
Middle School Application - November
Make a copy of your completed application for your personal records
Student Testing and Interviews – January - February
Decisions and Appeals – May - June
2 The Choices
How to make the most of your choices
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATIONSpecialized Schools
Size
Zoned Schools
A directory will be given to your child for their current school district and if different from where they reside, one will be given for that district as well. They will contain all the schools that will be listed on your child’s Choice Application(s).
District Schools
• Accepts applicants who reside within the district
• School has its own application process and may require additional testing
• Contact school directly for Open House and School Tour dates
Borough wide Schools
• Accepts applicants from the entire borough
• Each school has its own application and requires admission testing and interviewing.
• Contact schools directly for Open House and School Tours
Citywide Schools
• Accepts applicants from all boroughs
• Has its own application and admission testing
• Contact schools directly for Open House and School Tours
School Visits Quality of teachers
School Atmosphere
School Library
Student Work
School Visit Checklist
3 The Process
Today's preparation determines tomorrow's achievement.
Understanding School Descriptions
Reviewing Contact Information
• Visit their website if they have one
• Review location and confirm that it is convenient
• Pay attention to enrollment requirements– Who’s eligible– Size of school– Grades served– Special Ed Services– ELL and ESL Programs
• School’s Progress Report Scores and Quality Review
• Important Information
What does the school have to offer
• Is this a themed school• What are the special
programs and initiatives offered by the school
• What are some of the languages taught to the students
• Which organizations partner with this school
• What are the extracurricular activities available
Selection Criteria: Zoned & Screened
Selection Criteria: Limited Unscreened
Ranking your school choices
Focus only on the schools you are truly interested in and ignore the rest. I personally narrow my choices down to no more than 3 schools.
How To Apply To Other Schools
Contact the school
Inquire about application and testing process
Attend any Open Houses or Tours
Obtain Application
Complete Application to schools specifications
Some schools may require testing
Schools with School-Based Applications
Choice Application Acceptance Letter
Acceptance/Declination Form
RESOURCES@
? Questions?
Questions and Answers
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