This is a rough copy of a presentation for the School Choice Fair.

1. HISD’s School Choice Fair April 30, 2011

2. Just a Few of the Quality Program Options for HISD Students

3. What are Magnet Programs? Theme- Based Schools of Choice

4. Charter Schools Our charter schools operate with the approval of the HISD Board of Education and within the jurisdiction of HISD. Although they are not regulated the same way as the other HISD schools, they are accountable for showing measurable results in return for exemption from many of the restrictions that apply to the traditional public schools. Accountability is the key factor behind the superiority of HISD charter schools to other charter schools.

5. What is an Early College Program? The schools are designed so that low-income youth, first-generation college goers, English language learners, students of color, and other young people underrepresented in higher education can simultaneously earn a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree or up to two years of credit toward a Bachelor’s degree—tuition free. Early College Programs are not Magnet Programs They are internal Charters

6. New Same Gender Prep Academies The Houston Independent School District is currently accepting applications to its new all-boys and all-girls college preparatory academies. The all-boys school is being modeled after successful male college preparatory academies in Chicago and Harlem . The all-girls school is being developed in partnership with the Foundation for the Education of Young Women, which has five other campuses for young-women in Texas. Both schools are slated to open in the fall of 2011. Please note that they will only be accepting applications from students entering the sixth and ninth gradesthis fall.

7. Pre-school Programs HISD’s Pre-K programs positively affect and nurture the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical needs of young learners. Please explore this Web site to find out more about the district’s offerings, including tuiton-based options, to help your child “get a jump on success!” Get a Jump on Success!

8. Application Process Many programs have different applications, which can be very confusing to parents wishing to apply. We’ll start with a few tips on how to make this process a smooth and enjoyable one!

9. Learn About The Programs There are many fantastic program options for your child or children, so learn about each program your child might be interested in attending. Finding the best fit for your child is key to his or her success.

10. Application Process We will use the Magnet application as an example. Though many of the applications for programs are slightly different, there are many common pieces. Please read all application requirements carefully.

11. Important Details Be sure you turn in copies of everything listed in this section. Write the name of the school to which you are applying. It is the parents’ responsibility to submit all the correct information.

12. Deadlines Ignore the deadlines on the application at this point. We are in Phase II, which ends at the end of the school year. Applications in Phase II are processed in the order received until all the spaces in the program are full. Turn in your applications to your preferred programs as soon as possible.

13. Special Focus Areas Please complete all areas that apply to you. Elementary, Middle, and High School Magnet Applications all have sections for certain focus areas such as Fine Arts.

14. Submitting to More Than One Program HISD encourages students and parents to carefully explore all their program choices. Please apply to as many programs as you like. Please choose carefully, as once you commit to a program, you are committing to a one year transfer to that school.

15. What Happens Next After submitting your application by postal service or in person with all the documents needed, you will be contacted by the school to schedule any needed testing. You will be contacted if space is available in the program. Remember that applications are answered in the order they are received. Please contact the individual schools with questions about the program or the status of your application.

16. Learn More About School Choice Vanguard (G/T) information will be presented at 9:30 AM in Room _____ AP/IB Information will be presented _______ Visit Elementary programs in Room____ Middle School programs ____ High School Programs _______ Ask us about our programs! Equity in Access to Educational Choices in Houston Independent School District