 Borough of Manhattan Community College - New York, NY
Selection criteria are tied to the student goal. If the goal is training completion, then the criteria helps identify those who have the academic readiness and the level of commitment to succeed. "What do I look for in a good Cisco student? Desire. I look for: What have you done? What can you tell me? Why do you want to be in this program?" Adam Toback Phoenix Job Corps Phoenix, AZ In programs where employment is the objective, the selection criteria are aligned to industry's entry-level networking profile. "Our partners helped us set selection criteria: a high school diploma; good reading, good communication and interpersonal skills; flexibility, willingness to travel, life-long learners, high energy, and good under pressure."
Acte Maldonado Borough of Manhattan Community College New York, NY "Many of us in the department have also taught in industry. We look for things that an employer would look for. We look to see if they're punctual, ethical. Do they stay on task? We look at the quality of their work, the quantity of their work-all the things that you would rate an employee on. In the Cisco program you have to be a motivated learner. You have to do a lot of reading. There's a certain set of skills involved that you need to be successful in the field. We're looking for students who fit that mold." Lynne Ryan Eastern Technical High School Baltimore, MD
Academic PrerequisitesNetworking Academies use academic results in combination with other selection tools to select appropriate individuals. None of the Networking Academies interviewed use academic results so rigidly that they become a tool to exclude individuals. One Networking Academy hired an outside organization to provide academic screening. Others use standardized tests.Some adult Networking Academies use several different tests to measure basic reading and math skills: the Nelson-Denny Reading Test, the GED predictor tests and the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education)  . When reviewing scores, take into consideration different variables. Older students may be out of practice taking tests and score lower than expected. A low score for a 22-year-old with a Bachelor's degree from another country could indicate a language problem. But for an 18-year-old coming from high school, the low score could mean difficulty with the curriculum and require further investigation.Reading: The Cisco curriculum is written at an 8th grade reading level. Some workforce-focused Networking Academies require up to a 12th grade reading level. Because these Networking Academies generally offer the curriculum in a short period of time, they feel it is necessary to accept students near a workforce-ready level. Math: The Networking Academies also screen for high school level math with similar tests. Written Communication: Some Networking Academies require a writing sample to evaluate the individual's ability to express themselves and organize their thoughts.
Non-academic prerequisitesEven with excellent academic records, other variables can hinder success. Our successful Networking Academies try to control as many of these as possible. As Maslow's hierarchy of needs tells us, a hungry student is going to be more focused on his next meal than on IP addressing.Housing: Check to see that they have stable housing. It should send up a red flag if they are living with a friend, girlfriend or boyfriend. What happens if the relationship changes mid-training? Childcare: Childcare arrangements are important. Students should be thinking long term. Can they get childcare for 8 to 10 hours a day and do they have an emergency backup. A situation where an 8-year-old is taken to a police station because the After School closed is emotionally upsetting for all. Substance Abuse: Substance abuse is difficult to overcome. Professional support during the training is required by some Networking Academies. Criminal Record: The type of offense and disposition are important. If known at the beginning, it could help with job placement strategy. There is also the opportunity to apply for Federal Bonding [http://www.ttrc.doleta.gov/onestop/FBPContacttxt.htm] services. Family support: Has the student discussed this investment of time, energy and money with his or her family? Have they discussed how it might change their lives? "To come to the program the students and their parents have to be interviewed. We want to assess to the best of our ability whether or not the home environment is conducive to this commitment. Would the parents realize that while the student studies they can't use the telephone? Will they supervise the study time? Are there any other issues that might affect the learning that could be resolved by a referral to one of our partners?"
Greg Murray Communities in Schools Detroit, MI "We had to call security one day. It seems there was a jealous husband trying to pull his wife out of class-by her hair. Later we discovered he was jealous of her success in the class, her being with majority male classmates and fearful of her potential success and independence in the future. Maybe, if we had known, we could have arranged family counseling before it came to this." Acte Maldonado, Dean Borough of Manhattan Community College New York, NY
Handling RejectionMany of the people targeted by these programs are too familiar with failure, rejection and disappointment. This may be their first experience with technology education. It is important that the Networking Academy is a positive learning experience for them. Many organizations feel it is a disservice to put students in a situation that is a high risk for them.Telling a person that they are not accepted is also difficult. It is important to be sympathetic, compassionate and understanding. Here are steps our Networking Academies follow when speaking with a student who has not been accepted.
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