Preparing students for the future

We emphasize the relationship of course work to future education and employment goals, and actively help students envision and prepare for their futures. Key to that preparation is helping students develop the social and emotional skills necessary to work in groups, be on task and on time, and respond appropriately to supervision.

For a majority of our students, college is not always a consideration when they first come to Mt. Scott. But a big part of our efforts to help students succeed is adequately preparing them for college and a variety of post-secondary options. This is achieved through, but not limited to:

Senior Transitions - This year-long course focuses on preparing students for life after high school. Students create a portfolio with materials that will help them be successful in their post high school careers. Students complete a skills/values survey, identify their goals, develop post high school plans, research occupations, create a resume, develop references, write a reflective essay, practice public speaking, learn personal marketing strategies, visit colleges and begin the financial aid process.

Career Information System - Mt. Scott students regularly utilize Oregon's online Career Information System (CIS). CIS develops quality career information resources to support career self-management, career counseling, and career education. It also assists students in promoting sound career decision-making practices in education, employment, and community settings through leadership and training.

College Survival & Success Class - In partnership with Portland Publc Schools and the Coalition of Metro Area Community Schools, Mt. Scott students can enroll in Portland Community College's "College Survival and Success" class. This course provides basic information on time management and goal setting for college success. Students develop skills in communicating with instructors and accessing online and in-person college resources and services.

Academic Support Specialist & School Success Specialist positions- These Mt. Scott staff positions provide individualized support and planning around students’ academic performance, life skill development, post-secondary planning, and ultimately successful graduation. 

The Academic Support Specialist works with students at every grade level to provide academically appropriate skills, content, and support to achieve the immediate goal of remaining and participating in school, achieving grade promotion/credit, and achieving high school graduation.  Additionally, this position coordinates closely with teaching and support staff to ensure that all students are receiving a quality education that is rigorous, differentiated, and relevant to students' needs at every grade level.  

The School Success Specialist assists students in identifying what will assist them to successfully graduate high school, engage in credit retrieval programs, develop life skills, create post secondary plans, and build job skills. This position also aims at connecting students with internships, job shadows, jobs, and mentorships that link to their interests. This position provides personalized assistance to students and their families in the college financial aid process, identifying opportunities for scholarships, and provides academic/job counseling for students. The School Success Specialist also provides ongoing support for students after graduation through their first year of a post-secondary program.

The Academic Support Specialist and the School Support Specialist positions collaborate to assist students to graduate high school and be successful in their post-secondary experiences. Both positions are funded through grants from the Silver Family Foundation and the federal High School Graduation Initiative.

Graduation for All - Mt. Scott became fully accredited in the 2003-04 school year and began awarding diplomas at its first high school graduation ceremony in June 2004. Our graduation rate is determined by those students that enroll at Mt. Scott as freshmen (ninth graders) and continue through grade 12. For this group, our graduation rate has averaged over 90% of all students. Our goal for this year and beyond is that 100% of all students who enroll at Mt. Scott High School as freshmen and attend through their senior year will earn their diploma in four years and pursue post-secondary education.