College, Career, & Military Readiness

College Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) emphasizes the importance of all students from Kindergarten to 12th grade having exposure to a wide variety of careers. In elementary school, students will explore different careers through Career Role-Playing, Guest Speakers and Career/ College day . In middle school and high school, students will narrow down their career aspirations and select a pathway or endorsement that will provide them with a sequence of courses to prepare them for their future career and college major.

CCMR Accountability

The Texas Education Agency(TEA) has defined a set of indicators that students can earn to be considered college, career or military ready.

Readiness indicators are achieved by:

  • Meet the criteria of 3 on AP examinations or 4 on IB examinations

  • Meet TSI criteria via SAT, ACT, TSI-A, or College Prep Courses in ELA and Math

  • Complete a dual credit course (9hours in any subject or 3 hours ELA/Math)

  • Earn an associate degree

  • Complete an OnRamps course

  • Earn a Level I or Level II certificate

  • Earn an industry-based certificate (IBC)

  • Complete a program of study in CTE

  • Graduate with completed IEP and workforce readiness

  • Enlist in one of the armed forces

CCMR at SWPS

College Readiness- Testing

SWPS remains committed to providing every opportunity for our students to be successful in their postsecondary pursuits. Southwest public schools provides FREE test prep for all high school students.

SAT

Students take the SAT for university admission, scholarships, and to assess readiness for freshman-level college coursework. The PSAT measures the key knowledge and skills your child learns in school, for college and career readiness. 

Fall Semester

  • All 10th and 11th graders will take the PSAT/NMSQT

  • All 12th graders will take SAT School day

Spring Semester

  • All 11th graders will take SAT School day

Frequently Asked Questions

TSIA 2 (Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0)

TSIA 2 is a state-mandated assessment used in Texas public colleges and universities to determine college readiness in English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) and mathematics.

Fall Semester

  • 9th grade students wanting to enroll in Dual Credit

  • New students at SWPS wanting to enroll in Dual Credit

ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)

The ASVAB is design to measure aptitude in areas like math, science, verbal seasoning and spatial awareness, which are relevant to various military careers.

Taking the ASVAB does not automatically obligate you to join the military. 

Spring Semester

  • 11th grades

  • 12th graders who want to retest

Why is it important to continue my education after High School?

Obtaining a college degree or certification can unlock a broader array of career opportunities and significantly enhance earning potential throughout one’s life. Many professions list a degree as a fundamental entry requirement, and possessing one can give candidates a competitive edge in the job market.

A college education equips individuals with essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, all of which are valuable in various areas of life and work. Additionally, it provides opportunities to network with peers and professionals, fostering connections that may prove advantageous in future career pursuits.

money

For 25- to 34-year-olds who worked full time, year round, those who had higher educational attainment also had higher median earnings in 2022. In general, this pattern was consistent for each year from 2012 through 2022 (in constant 2022 dollars). National Center for Education Statistics

Contact:

RESOURCES
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTS

  • SAT – Most common college entrance exam in the USA if you are considering going to college in most of the East or West Coast states or Texas.  College Board website (SAT)

     

FINANCIAL AID

  • FAFSA – Application for Federal Student Aid. 

  • TAFSA – Students who do not meet the citizenship guidelines required by FAFSA may still be eligible for financial aid in the state of Texas by completing the TASFA online. You must be a Texas resident to submit the TASFA .

Erika

Erika Acevedo

Director of College, Career, & Military Readiness

Eacevedo@swschools.org

Morales

Dixie Morales

Dean of Students CCPA

Dmorales@swschools,org