P l a n n i n g f o r t h e F u t u r e
G r a d e s 1 1 – 1 2
L e s s o n # 4 B e y o n d a G r a d u a t i o n C h e c k
LESSON TARGET(S)
► Transcript analysis steps
► Aligning present courses with postsecondary programs and career trajectory
MEASURE(S) OF SUCCESS
Students will be able to:
► Analyze their transcripts with regard to credit and transition to postsecondary programs
► Explain how they need adjust, expand, or change their present course selections or steps to be ready not only for graduation but postsecondary options.
MATERIALS NEEDED
► Printed cards (see materials)
► Individual student transcript
► Graduation check-list
► Individual student Internet access
FACILITATOR NOTES
While most high school counselors have a process for tracking credit accumulation for graduation, few have the time to help students align graduation requirements with postsecondary entry requirements. This workshop is a skill or process workshop designed to help students take the necessary steps to be ready for entering college programs without remedial or extra classes.
Note: This workshop will require that either the facilitator or the students get unofficial transcripts from the registrar’s office in advance.
CORE ACTIVITY
Introduction
Hand students the card that reads, “Congratulations! You’ve graduated from high school! We are sorry but you have not met the requirements for the postsecondary program you want to enter.” Discuss with students how they would feel if they received the card with their high school diploma. Encourage them to go beyond the surprise and anger to talk about what responsibility they have for making sure they can walk into any postsecondary option they desire.

Activity
1.
Make sure every student has at least an unofficial copy of their transcript and a student worksheet.
2.
Give students time to record the requirements for the program they are most likely to enroll in after high school. This will likely mean that students will need time to research the program online.
Students are to stop when they have completed this step.
3.
Make sure that classroom rules are in place for respect and confidentiality for the remainder of this workshop. Students will be sharing transcripts and it is important that the personal information can be treated appropriately.
4.
Have students exchange transcripts and requirements with a partner. The partner groups can be in a similar or different area depending on your classroom. Partners will act as a registrar for each other analyzing the alignment between the transcript and college applications.
5.
Have the student registrars return the papers to their owner and discuss as a partner group what they found.
6.
Ask partner groups to share out what they learned and what they found in terms of course selections and alignment. Brainstorm the steps students will need to take in align their high school courses and preparation with the requirements for postsecondary programs.
Closing
Have students write and turn-in to you immediate and longer-term steps they are going to take to align their course selections or strengthen their postsecondary application.

Congratulations! You’ve graduated from high school!
We are sorry but you have not met the requirements for the postsecondary program you want to enter.
Congratulations! You’ve graduated from high school!
We are sorry but you have not met the requirements for the postsecondary program you want to enter.
Congratulations! You’ve graduated from high school!
We are sorry but you have not met the requirements for the postsecondary program you want to enter.
Congratulations! You’ve graduated from high school!
We are sorry but you have not met the requirements for the postsecondary program you want to enter.
Congratulations! You’ve graduated from high school!
We are sorry but you have not met the requirements for the postsecondary program you want to enter.
Congratulations! You’ve graduated from high school!
We are sorry but you have not met the requirements for the postsecondary program you want to enter.

Educational Requirements Registrars Approval that
Requirements have been met
Analysis of what is missing
GED or diploma
GPA requirement:
Math courses required:
English courses required:
Career and Technical Courses
Required
Other: