Key Elements of University Going Culture at La Joya ISD?

By: Dr. Armando O'caña Sr. La Joya Independent School District

Student Services Division Dropout Prevention Program

What are the Key Elements of University Going Culture at La Joya ISD?

“Habits of the Mind: The success of a well-prepared University student is built upon a foundation of key habits of mind that enable students to learn content from an inter-disciplinary approach.”

1. Contextual Skills and Awareness 2. Academic Behaviors (Self Directed

Learner)3. Key Content4. Key Cognitive Strategies

Contextual Skills and Awareness (University knowledge)Admissions requirements, affording University, University types and missions, University culture, relations with professors

Our Self Directed Learner is one that:has analysis skillshas reasoning skillsis argumentative in a positive way in a debate settinghas intellectual opennessis inquisitivenesshas interpretative skillsis precise with activitiesis a problem-solveris a proliferate writeris proficient in two languagesis respectfulis courteousis happy.

Key ContentUse best means for program evaluationCollect evidence in portfolio setupTest resultsReview the degree of program fidelityStudent behaviors for successStudy skillsTime managementComprehensive approachContinuous and personal approaches

Key Cognitive StrategiesLa Joya ISD (We the District Educational Team) create a university culture focused one.display classroom instruction with intellectual development.specify core knowledge skills to be learned.provide necessary support to students.provide necessary support to teachers and staff.know our students’ clearly understand what is University readiness.make University reasonable, realistic and attainable.communicate “planning is important!”promote our students’ diligent attention is a must.must have an intensive process model in place daily (it is not an event; it is a process).

Mission: Statement: Educational Excellence the Right of Every Student.

Our district has three major goals: The district will implement a rigorous well-balanced comprehensive curriculum and instruction program that supports sustained growth in student achievement.The district will implement student support services that address the total well being of each student.Allocate the resources to support effective instruction.

When do you arrive to Universityreadiness?

The Question of the Year.

When you see your students who are: 

consistenthave a deep understanding of post educationstrong grounded in the university culturehave the ability to cope at this levelmaster core academic key concepts for university successhave facilities that are attractive to university settingaccessibility within budget costpunctual to classes

When you see your students who are: (continue)

establish a creative mode for learningutilize all their resourceslocate all classrooms, resources and facilitiesemploy establish successful skillsconduct themselves as University studentsuniversal involvement in the Universitycommitted to the causedemonstrate positive learning behaviors

Reference: Conley, David (2007), Toward a More Comprehensive Conception of College Readiness.

Conclusion: University Culture Readiness is a daily way of life at La Joya ISD!