Podcast 101 - Articulation Agreement w/ Mr. T

Summary

In this informative podcast, hosts Reuben and Lily discuss the benefits of articulation agreements for students at Brooklyn Steam Center. These agreements with partner colleges allow students to earn college credits through their high school classes, potentially saving time and money. The conversation covers various pathways, including computer science, culinary arts, and engineering, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing these agreements to ease the transition to post-secondary education.

Takeaways

• 📝 Articulation agreements are contracts between schools and colleges that allow students to earn college credits while still in high school.
• 🏫 Brooklyn Steam Center has established articulation agreements with various colleges for different pathways such as computer science, culinary arts, and design and engineering.
• 🎓 Students can benefit from these agreements by potentially avoiding the need to take certain college courses, saving time and money.
• 🤝 Partner schools include New York City College of Technology, Saint Joseph's University, and Saint Francis College, among others.
• 📚 The agreements cover a range of programs, from introductory courses to specific certifications, which can be applied to a student's college education.
• 💼 Students should have a post-secondary plan and understand their options, including the potential benefits of articulation agreements for their chosen pathway.
• 📈 The agreements can help students continue in their chosen career path at the college level, with some offering guaranteed admission or specific credits.
• 📊 Scoring well on certain exams, like the NOCTI exam for culinary arts, can result in substantial college credits, equivalent to a semester's worth of courses.
• 📋 Documentation is crucial for students to claim their credits, including transcripts, certification scores, and proof of course completion.
• 🗓 There are deadlines and processes for students to follow to ensure they receive credit for their work, such as applying to the continuing education office of their chosen college.
• 🔍 Students are encouraged to research and attend college fairs and events to gather information and make informed decisions about their college and career plans.

Q & A

What is an articulation agreement according to the transcript?

An articulation agreement is a formal agreement signed between a school, such as the Brooklyn Steam Center, and partner colleges. It allows students to earn certain college credits based on their classes at the high school level, essentially providing them with a pathway to earn free college credits.

What are the benefits of articulation agreements for students?

Articulation agreements benefit students by potentially reducing the number of courses and credits they need to pay for in college. They can also allow students to focus on courses of interest rather than prerequisites, and they may provide a financial advantage by reducing the overall cost of a college education.

Which colleges and pathways are mentioned in the script as having articulation agreements with the Brooklyn Steam Center?

The script mentions New York City College of Technology for computer science, culinary arts, and design and engineering pathways. Saint Joseph's University for full stack development, Saint Francis College for film and media, and agreements for construction technology with City Tech and Pima County in Arizona. There are also mentions of agreements in progress with SUNY Buffalo State and CUNY institutions.

What is the role of the NOCTI exam in the culinary arts pathway?

The NOCTI exam is used to assess college readiness in the culinary arts pathway. If a senior scores a college readiness score on this exam, they can earn up to 12 credits, which is equivalent to a semester's worth of credits at a CUNY institution.

How do students know which post-secondary plan they should pursue after graduation?

Students are required to inform their school of their post-secondary plan, which could include attending college, entering the workforce, or other pursuits. The school counselor or advisor can help students explore their options and make informed decisions based on their interests and goals.

What is the significance of May 1st in the context of college admissions mentioned in the script?

May 1st is known as the national decision day for most colleges in the United States. By this date, students are expected to have made their decision on which college to attend and to have submitted any necessary documentation or deposits.

Can articulation agreements affect a student's chances of being accepted into a college?

While articulation agreements can be beneficial once a student chooses to attend a particular college, they are not a determining factor in the acceptance process. They are more about the benefits students can receive after being accepted, such as credit for prior learning.

What is the purpose of the Advisory Council mentioned in the script?

The Advisory Council is a meeting of educators, students, higher education partners, and professionals in specific fields. It serves to review and discuss the alignment between high school curriculum and college expectations, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their post-secondary education.

How do students ensure they receive credit for their articulation agreements at the college they attend?

Students need to take the initiative to visit the continuing education office of the college they attend. They must present their documentation, such as transcripts and certification scores, to ensure that the credits from their high school are recognized and applied to their college degree program.

What is the role of the college representatives in the articulation agreements?

College representatives are expected to attend the Advisory Council meetings to provide input and ensure that the high school curriculum aligns with college requirements. They also play a role in validating the credits that students can earn through the articulation agreements.

Can students who do not wish to continue in their current pathway still benefit from articulation agreements?

Yes, students can still benefit from articulation agreements even if they do not wish to continue in their current pathway. The agreements often cover introductory courses that are common prerequisites across various majors, allowing students to receive credit for prior learning.