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Bridging the Electronic Divide: A Reflection on Year One of Naviance eDocs
This document summarizes the transition from a paper-based college application process to a digital process using Naviance eDocs at Abington Senior High School. It describes the school, outlines frustrations with the previous paper system, and details the process of gaining support and overcoming fears to implement eDocs. Successes included significant time savings, less paper use, and immediate results. Challenges involved permissions, student submission oversight, and unique college requirements. Plans for year two include expanded partnerships, technology use, and parent education events.
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Bridging the Electronic Divide: A Reflection on Year One of Naviance eDocs
- 1. Bridging the ElectronicDivide: A Reflection on Year One of Naviance eDocs Joseph A. Tagliaferro Coordinator of Student Support Services Abington Senior High School Abington, PA
- 2. Session Objectives •Description ofAbington Senior High School •Overview of prior practice for college application process •Steps to gain “buy-in” for eDocs from stakeholders •Technology setup and challenges •Rolling out eDocs to parents, students and staff •Successes and challenges •The plan for year two
- 3. Description of Abington SeniorHigh School
- 4. Abington Senior HighSchool •Located in suburban Philadelphia •Approximately 1800 students • 33% minority students • Approximately 15% students with IEPs • Approximately 22% economically disadvantaged •90% of graduates attend post-secondary schools • 65% four-year institutions • 25% two-year institutions/community colleges
- 5. College Application Processpre-eDocs •Approximately 2300 applications processed per year •Most students applied online •Paper transcripts and letters of recommendation printed •Envelopes, stamps and postcards •Lots of signatures and visits to the post office! •Logging of applications in Naviance by counselors and secretaries •Senior Survey completed through Naviance
- 6. Frustrations •Paper everywhere! •Getting envelopesand stamps from the seniors •Maintaining accurate records •Lost materials •Time lost to signing documents •Confidentiality
- 7. Laying the Foundationfor Change
- 8. The “Buy-in” Process •Startwithin the department •Submit formal proposal to building and district administration •Involve the Technology Department •Solicit support from teachers who write the most letters •Cost-benefit analysis •Present to Board of School Directors •Use your professional network
- 9. Overcoming Fear ofTechnology •Establish an internal “expert” panel •Make contact with Naviance support •Training for: • Counselors • Secretaries • Teachers • Tech department • Students • Parents
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- 11. Steps to MakingeDocs “Live” 1. Download eDocs printer 2. Setup printer on counselor and secretary computers 3. Print a test transcript 4. Upload documents 5. Send a test packet to a college 6. Set up permissions for counselors, teachers and secretaries 7. Determine process for students
- 12. Challenges •Internal technical issuessetting up the eDocs printer •Familiarizing users with components of application packet for Common Application, NACAC, etc. •Trusting the process – make sure you stay connected with your resources and Naviance support
- 13. Rolling out eDocsto students, parents and staff
- 14. Bringing the Facultyinto the Picture •Faculty meeting prior to the start of school •After-school meetings for staff •Establish points of contact for questions or procedural concerns •Be willing to go the extra mile for teachers as they familiarize themselves with program •Establish internal network of teachers during the school year
- 15. Rolling out toParents •Send mailing prior to the start of school •Set up an evening event during the first weeks of school •Use all technology means to publicize the new procedure and any orientation meetings • Website • Social media • “robo-call”
- 16. Rolling Out toStudents •Classroom presentations early in the school year •Be clear about the procedures •Provide handouts or outlines for each type of application •Know your audience •You will learn more from them than they will from you!
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- 18. What Worked? •Significant timesavings for staff •Where is all the paper? •Immediate results •Financial impact on department budget •Facility of reporting for building administration •Immediately embraced by all stakeholders
- 19. Challenges •Teacher permissions andaccess •Surrendering the process to the students •Submission of teacher documents •NCAA Clearinghouse documents •Colleges with unique procedures or non- subscribers
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- 21. New for YearTwo •Expanded networking with local high schools •Expanded use of technology to facilitate application process •Evening “parent panel” – have parents speak to parents about eDocs
- 22. Questions? Joseph Tagliaferro Abington SeniorHigh School 215-884-4700 x2366 taglja@abington.k12.pa.us
- 23. Your Feedback Matters! Thankyou for attending the Naviance Summer Institute 2013! We greatly appreciate your feedback, please complete a brief evaluation for this session at: http://go.naviance.com/evaluations