GEAR UP Liaisons'
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
General Questions
Q-1: What is the Maine Support Network's role in the GEAR UP Grant?
GEAR UP description from the U.S. Department of Education: This discretionary grant program is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. GEAR UP provides six-year grants to states and partnerships to provide services at high-poverty middle and high schools. GEAR UP grantees serve an entire cohort of students beginning no later than the seventh grade and follow the cohort through high school. GEAR UP funds are also used to provide college scholarships to low-income students.
The Maine Support Network administers the Maine state grant for the Maine Department of Education.
Q-2: What passwords do we need?
You no longer need a password to access liaison information on our website (www.gearupme.org/advisors.htm)
However, you do need one for GOES. To log into your school's GOES data, go to http://maine.goesonline.org/
You should have a username and password specific to you or your school. If
don't know your password, or if you work with more than one
school and would like a single password to access all your schools, please
email
Emily: emily@mainesupportnetwork.org
Q-3: I've worked with GEAR UP in previous years, and I'm confused about the changes with this new grant. What are the differences?
The 2005 - 2011 GEAR UP Grant goal is to: leverage Maine’s
advanced technological infrastructure to create a sustainable program that
supports students who are economically disadvantaged in preparing for, accessing,
and succeeding in postsecondary education.
To implement this goal, the infrastructure of the program has shifted to utilize
our resources more efficiently. Districts are now able to identify the
needs of their schools and put their GEAR UP funds to use in a way they see
fit. Each district submitted a plan detailing how they would create a
sustainable college-going culture in their schools.
Q-4: Are the data sheets (PFC) still being used and do they need to be updated by the end of June?
No! We are not collecting weekly activity reports or matching forms anymore. We do expect that GOES is being updated and maintained by your district liaison (or other appointed data entry person).
Q-5: Do we have to have social security numbers for 8th graders and underclassmen at this point?
You should have it from the updated student compact which we need on file for all students. If you do not have a student compact on file for all your GEAR UP students, we ask that you have them fill one out as soon as possible.
Activity Guide Questions
Q-1: Do I need to distribute this guide to all GEAR UP students?
We had asked for the guide to be distributed, but have since decided to use it as a planning tool (since it can seem overwhelming on its own.) We would like for it to be used when building a student's individual learning plan instead of handed out as a separate document.
Q-2: Is there is a template or form for the GEAR UP learning and action plan mentioned in the GU Student Compact and the GU Student Activity Guide?
There is no template or form -- we are hoping to integrate our college-ready
goals into the framework of your existing learning and action plans. I
know most GEAR UP schools are using learning plans, and we would like to
make
use of these instead of creating an additional plan. Our activity guide
can be a great resource for you to add college-ready activities into your
existing
plans to ensure all students are college-ready and receiving the support
they need.
Q-3: What if the student drops below B average for year? Two years? etc.
We will not disqualify students from GEAR UP if they are making an effort
to improve their grades. If they graduate and are accepted to a college
and complete the other GU requirements, we want to support them and they
would
still be eligible for the scholarship.
Q-4: Is there an objective standard for participation "in a wide variety of school activities"?
No, we would like to be sure our GEAR UP students are participating, but
there is no specific
standard.
Q-5: Is "excellent attendence" definable? Excused vs. unexcused vs. skipping school? Is there
a state standard or do we set one locally?
Your district would set this locally. We collect student attendance data,
but if they are within your school's allowable absences they are fine with
us too.
Q-6: Is there an hours requirement for participation in "part-time work, community service, volunteer activities,
and service learning projects"?
No, we would like to be sure our GEAR UP students are participating, but
there is no specific number of hours we require.
Overall, if a student is making an effort to succeed and aspires to continue
their education after high school, we want to support them. We do not want
to disqualify students from receiving their scholarship because of red tape.
Q-7: Should items on this activity guide be listed as services in GOES? (e.g. taking 8th grader taking Algebra, Early College Program, College Summer Programs, volunteering in community, etc.?)
Yes they should all be counted as participation data.