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The school system has launched a plan to help parents and students understand what it takes to be ready for college.

The plan, officially called the "Seven Keys to College Readiness," identifies seven milestones for families to monitor to ensure their children are ready for higher education.

The formal plan follows a pledge by President Barack Obama for the United States to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.

Under the school system's plan, students already are on a path to college when they read advanced text in kindergarten, score "advanced" on the Maryland School Assessments, pass Algebra 1 in eighth-grade with at least a "C," or score a 3 out of 5 on an Advanced Placement exam.

To bring awareness to the campaign, the school system has launched a Web site, will hold workshops for parents and plans to mail brochures to all families.

The school board was scheduled to discuss the Seven Keys at Tuesday night's meeting in Rockville.

"We want our students to have choices," school board President Shirley Brandman (At-large) of Bethesda said in a statement. "Whether it is going straight to college or meeting the demands of the 21st-century workplace, our students need to have the best possible foundation.

"Giving students a road map to be sure they are prepared is essential to raising the bar and closing the [achievement] gap" between black and Hispanic students and their white and Asian-American peers, Brandman added.

Go to www.mcps7keys.org for more information.

Parent workshop

The school system's Parent Advisory Council will hold a workshop Thursday evening called "Can We Talk? Speaking Up for Your Child to Help Them Succeed."

The workshop will offer information for parents on how to talk effectively with teachers to help their children be successful in school. At the workshop, according to the school system, parents may share tips with other parents about how to advocate for their children.

This workshop is scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. Register for the workshop online, by phone at 301-517-5940, or at the door. Free child care will be provided for children ages 4–12. Interpreters will be available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, French, Vietnamese and American Sign Language.

Trustees sought

The Montgomery College Board of Trustees' nominating committee is seeking applicants to fill two vacancies on the board.

The vacancies are for partial terms expiring June 30, 2010, and June 30, 2014.

County residents should submit a letter of intent, resume, references or other documentation to Fred Evans, chairman of the nominating committee, by 5 p.m. May 11.

The Board of Trustees is the governance body for Montgomery College, which has an enrollment of roughly 60,000 students.

Trustees are appointed by the governor, upon the recommendation of a five-member nominating committee. With the exception of the student board member, the governor's appointments must be confirmed by the state Senate.

Those interested in the position cannot be employed by Montgomery College in any capacity. Applicants must attend a one-hour orientation session at Montgomery College before an interview with the nominating committee. Trustees do not get compensation for the position.

Send materials to fevans424@

comcast.net. For more information, call Fred Evans at 301-424-5169 or Arlean Graham, from the Montgomery College Board of Trustees Office, at 240-567-7120.