Laserfiche WebLink
o <br />Engage the business community in hands-on learning, after-school <br />programs, and curricula development. <br /> <br />Increase parental involvement in student learning. <br />o <br />Adopt web-based technologies that allow parents to see test scores <br />and report cards, as well as maintain contact with teachers and <br />counselors. <br />o <br />Increase efforts to engage parents of low-performing students and at- <br />risk youth. <br />o <br />Expand SOAR’s outreach efforts to not only connect with first <br />generation students and families but also offer general information <br />sessions. <br />Create information packets that share ways parents can get <br />involved with their children’s education. <br />o <br />Promote Greater Austin Chamber’s Free Application for Federal <br />Student Aid (FAFSA) assistance workshops for students and parent <br /> <br />Pool resources to fund innovative techniques to prevent dropouts and help at- <br />risk students achieve. <br />o <br />Expand the capacity of alternative programs and allow students from <br />multiple counties to attend. <br />o <br />Increase student involvement in after-school activities that build self- <br />confidence and interactive skills, stimulate creativity, instill work <br />ethics, and increase motivation. <br />Ensure that parents can access information about available <br />programs on all public school district websites in Greater San <br />Marcos. <br />o <br />Involve affected regional partners, including social service, faith- <br />based, and law enforcement agencies. <br /> <br />Strengthen and expand gifted learning program opportunities and funding. <br />o <br />Work to increase the number and variety of Advanced Placement <br />courses offered at Greater San Marcos’ high schools. <br />o <br />Coordinate with ACC to broaden dual-enrollment offerings for high <br />school students to earn college course credits. <br />o <br />Ensure representatives from San Marcos Advocates for Gifted <br />Education are involved in SOAR and other area education <br />partnerships. <br />o <br />Actively recruit graduates of TXST’s gifted and talented elementary <br />education graduate program to work in area public schools. <br /> <br />Action 2: Increase business and community commitment to the area’s <br />school districts. <br />Formalize links between Greater San Marcos’ community, economic, and <br />workforce development organizations and public schools. <br />Final Strategy <br />September 2009 16 <br /> <br />