Application for the
2015-2016 School Year
www.kealinghornets.org
2015-2016
Application Packet
Packet contains:
 Letter to Applicant
 Application Checklist and Admission Test Dates
 Application Form
 Directions for Three Essays
 Two Teacher Recommendation Forms
 Shadow Application (optional)
 How Applications Are Scored
Kealing Magnet Showcase
Thursday, January 15, 2015
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
an opportunity to meet Magnet teachers in their classrooms
and visit with current Magnet students and parents
Admission Test Options
During the admission test sessions, applicants will take a 40-minute test and complete a 30-minute timed essay.
Kealing MS
Cafeteria
Saturday,
January 17
Last Name A-L
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Last Name M-Z
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Option 2
Kealing MS
Cafeteria
Saturday,
January 24
Last Name M-Z
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Last Name A-L
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Option 3
during
Shadowing at
Kealing MS
January 20February 27
Option 1
Option 3 (testing while shadowing) is only available
to students who turn in an application [pages 1-7]
and submit a Shadowing Request by January 23!
Note: If you are applying for admission to both the Kealing and Fulmore Magnets, you may attend an admission test
session at Fulmore—but you will still need to write the 30-minute essay for Kealing. Applicants who attend a Fulmore
session may either complete the timed essay for Kealing during shadowing or, if necessary, by appointment.
Application Deadline
Friday, January 23, 2015 (if shadowing)
Friday, February 6, 2015 (if not shadowing)
Kealing Middle School
1607 Pennsylvania Avenue
Austin, Texas 78702-2020
(512) 414-2450
Dear Applicant:
Thank you for your interest in the Kealing Magnet Program. The Kealing Magnet Program is an advanced
academic program with limited enrollment. These application materials will allow us to assess your
qualifications and potential success in our program. All information must be received before your application
can be processed and reviewed by a team of teachers. Your application must be completed in full and in our
office by 4:30 p.m. on February 6, 2014. If you want to shadow (visit), the application is due by 4:30
p.m. on January 23, 2014.
The link for the online/electronic application form will be available
soon. Please check back.
You also must take an admissions test which consists of a 40-minute test and a 30-minute essay, as part
of the application process. You may attend a Saturday admissions testing session at Kealing on either
January 17th or 24th (If you come to Kealing to shadow during the January 20-February 27 window, you may
take the admission test during one of the class periods.) You may also take the Admissions Test at Fulmore
and complete the Kealing essay while shadowing at Kealing.
If you do not have access to the internet, you may submit a hard copy by following these
instructions:
The first page of your application, The Application Checklist, will help you organize your materials. The second
page of your application is the Application Form. Please complete these forms neatly and accurately. The
Application Form must be signed by you and a parent or guardian. If you are currently in an AISD school, you must
include your student number, which can be found on your report card.
The third, fourth, and fifth pages of your application are three essays. Please use a separate piece of paper for
each essay. At the top of each page, write the prompt number, your first and last name, and your student number (if
you have one).
The sixth page is a copy of your most recent STAAR scores. If you are coming from a school other than a Texas
public school, please submit a copy of your most recent standardized test scores. The seventh page is a copy of
this year’s first semester report card (showing all grading periods from August through December).
The eighth and ninth pages are Teacher Recommendation Forms. Your teachers will mail the completed
recommendation to the Kealing Magnet Program. Your two recommendations must be from teachers who instructed
you during this school year or last school year. One recommendation form should be from a teacher who instructed
you in math or science. The second recommendation form should be from a teacher who instructed you in language
arts/reading or social studies. If you have only one teacher in these areas this year, please also request a
recommendation from a teacher from last school year. Please be sure to check in with teachers and confirm that
th
they have completed the recommendations by their January 25 deadline.
The Kealing Magnet Program faculty and I look forward to receiving your completed application. If you or your
th
parents have any questions, please call the Magnet Office at 414-2450. On March 13 we will mail you information
about the status of your application to the Magnet Program.
Sincerely,
Dianne Carter
Director of Magnet Program
COMPLETE AND RETURN AS PAGE 1 OF YOUR APPLICATION.
KEALING MAGNET PROGRAM
2015-2016 Application Checklist
and Admission Test Dates
Name ____________________________________________
AISD Student ID# _________________
(Please print)
The Application Review Committee will not review an application until all required items have been received. The
following checklist is provided to help you organize these items. Arrange pages 1-7 in the order listed below.
(We will attach and mark off the teacher recommendations when they arrive.)
Required Items
_____ Application Checklist
(page 1)
_____ Application Form
(page 2)
_____ Three Essays
(pages 3, 4, and 5)
_____ Copy of most recent STAAR scores
(page 6)
These seven pages of your
application MUST be submitted
by January 23 (if shadowing) or
February 6 (if not shadowing).
or scores from a nationally-normed achievement test
_____ Copy of first semester report card
(page 7)
_____ Two teacher recommendation forms
(pages 8 and 9) to be sent by the teacher
Admission Test* – Select ONE of the following testing options. (Registration is not required.)
_____ Option 1: Saturday, January 17, 2014 @ Kealing MS
Last name A-L: 8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Last name M-Z: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
_____ Option 2: Saturday, January 24, 2014 @ Kealing MS
Last name M-Z: 8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Last name A-L: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
_____ Option 3: I will take the test during a class period when I shadow at Kealing.
_____ Option 4: I will take the test at a Fulmore session and complete the essay when shadowing.
*If you receive 504 or Special Education services, please send testing accommodations to the Magnet Director as
soon as possible and not later than five days prior to the test session. If we do not receive the accommodations,
we cannot guarantee implementation.
Return your completed application to:
Magnet Director
Admissions, Kealing Magnet Program
1607 Pennsylvania Avenue
Austin, TX 78702-2020
Application Deadline
Friday, January 23, 2015 by 4:30 p.m. (if shadowing)
Friday, February 6, 2015 by 4:30 p.m. (if not shadowing)
Llene y regrese como la primera página de la solicitud.
PROGRAMA Magnet de Kealing
Lista de Verificación de la Solicitud para el 2015-2016
Y Fechas para el Examen de Admisión
Nombre ________________________________
Número de AISD del Estudiante: ____________
(En letra de molde)
El Comité de examen de la aplicación no revisará una solicitud hasta que se han recibido todos los elementos
necesarios. La siguiente lista se proporciona para ayudarle a organizar estos artículos. Organiza las páginas 1-7
en el orden indicado abajo. (Agregaremos y anotaremos las recomendaciones del maestro cuando lleguen).
Elementos Requeridos
_____ Lista de Verificación de la Solicitud
(página 1)
_____ Forma de Solicitud
(página 2)
_____Tres Composiciones
(páginas 3, 4, and 5)
_____ Copia de los resultados más recientes de STAAR
o resultados de una prueba de nivel nacional
_____ Copia de las Calificaciones del primer semestre
(página 6)
Estas siete páginas de la
solicitud deben ser presentadas
para el 23 de enero (si visitaran)
o el 6 de febrero (si no
visitaran).
(página 7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------_____Dos Formas de Recomendaciones de Maestros
(páginas 8 y 9) enviadas por los maestros
_____ Solicitación para Visitar Kealing
(página 10) *opcional*
Examen de Admisión * –Escoge UNA opción en seguida para el examen. (No se require inscripción.)
_____ Opción 1: Sábado, Enero 17, 2014 @ Kealing MS
Apellido A-L: 8:00–10:00 a.m.
Apellido M-Z: 11:00–1:00 p.m.
_____ Opción 2: Sábado, Enero 24, 2014 @ Kealing MS
Apellido M-Z: 8:00–10:00 a.m.
Apellido A-L: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
_____ Opción 3: Tomare el examen durante un período de clase cuando visite Kealing.
_____ Opción 4 Tomaré el examen en una sesión de Fulmore y hare la composición cuando visite.
*Para acomodaciones del examen, usted debe presentar documentación de 504 o educación especial (indicando
acomodaciones de este año escolar) a la Directora de Magnet al menos cinco días antes de las sesión del examen.
Regresa tu solicitud completa a:
Directora del Programa Magnet
Admisión, Programa Magnet de Kealing
1607 Pennsylvania Avenue
Austin, TX 78702-2020
FIN DE PLAZO PARA SOLICITUD
Viernes, 23 de enero, 2015 para las 4:30 p.m. (si vas a visitar)
Viernes, 6 de febrero, 2015 para las 4:30 p.m. (si no vas a visitar)
Estimado Solicitante:
Gracias por tu interés en el Programa Magnet de Kealing. Este es un programa académico avanzado
con espacio limitado para inscripciones. Los documentos de esta solicitud nos permitirán evaluar tus calificaciones
y potencial para éxito en nuestro programa. Toda la información se debe recibir antes que tu solicitud se procese y
se revise por un equipo de maestros. Tu solicitud debe estar totalmente completa y en nuestra oficina para las 5:00
p.m. el 6 de febrero del 2014. Si quieres ser sombra (visitar), se necesita la solicitud para las 5:00 p.m. el 23 de
enero del 2014.
Favor de entregar la solicitud completa por internet al:
_______________________________________________
También debes tomar un examen de admisión que consistirá de 40 minutos para un examen y 30 minutos para
una composición escrita, como parte del proceso de la solicitud. Puedes atender a una sesión de examen de
sábado en Kealing bien sea el 17 o 24 de enero (si vienes a visitar (shadow) a Kealing durante el 20 de enero - 27
de febrero, puedes tomar el examen de admisión durante uno de los periodos del día.) También puedes tomar el
Examen de Admisión en Fulmore y terminar la composición en Kealing durante tu visita.
Si no tienes acceso al internet, puedes entregar una copia. Favor de ver las instrucciones a bajo.
La Lista de Verificación de la solicitud te ayudará organizar tus materiales y debe ser la primera página de tu
solicitud. La segunda página es el Formulario de Solicitud. Favor de llenar esta forma con nitidez y exactitud. Tú y
un padre o guardián legal deben firmar esta forma. Si estas en una escuela del Distrito Escolar de Austin, debes
incluir tu número de estudiante, que se puede encontrar en tu reporte de calificaciones.
Las siguientes tres páginas de tú solicitud son tres composiciones. Favor de usar una diferente hoja para cada
composición. Escribe el número del tema arriba en frente de la página. Escribe tu nombre y número de estudiante
(si tienes uno) al revés de cada página.
La página seis es una copia de los más recientes resultados del STAAR. Si vienes de una escuela, fuera de las
escuelas públicas del estado de Texas, favor de incluir los más recientes resultados de esas pruebas
estandarizadas. La página siete es una copia de las calificaciones del primer semestre de este año (que enseñe
todos los períodos de calificación de agosto a diciembre).
Las dos páginas siguientes (página ocho y nueve) son Formas de Recomendación de Maestros(as). Tus
maestros(as) enviarán estas recomendaciones por correo al Programa Magnet de Kealing. Tus dos
recomendaciones deben ser de maestros(as) que te hayan dado instrucción durante este año escolar o el año
pasado. Una de las recomendaciones debe ser de un maestro que te dio instrucción en matemáticas o ciencias. La
segunda forma de recomendación debe ser de un maestro que te dio instrucción en artes de lenguaje /lectura o
ciencias sociales. Si solamente tienes un maestro en estas áreas este año, por favor de también pedir una
recomendación de un maestro del año pasado. Asegura que revises con maestros para confirmar que ellos
terminaron las recomendaciones para el 25 de enero.
La facultad del Programa Magnet de Kealing y yo esperaremos recibir to solicitud completa. Si to o tus padres
tienen algunas preguntas, favor de llamar a la Oficina Magnet al 414-2450. El 13 de marzo enviaremos
información sobre el resultado de tu solicitud al Programa Magnet.
Sinceramente,
Dianne Carter
Directora del Programa Magnet
Si necesita esta información en espaňol, por favor communíquese con Jo Garcia 512-841-1150
COMPLETE AND RETURN AS PAGE 2 OF YOUR APPLICATION.
KEALING MAGNET PROGRAM
1607 Pennsylvania Avenue, Austin, TX 78702-2020
APPLICATION FORM
for 2015-2016 School Year
(Please type or print)
Student Name ______________________________________________________________________________
AISD Student Number ___________________
Birth Date _________
Student Address ___________________________________________
Current (2015-16) Grade: ___5th ___6th ___7th
Gender: ___Male ___Female
Zip Code ___________________
Current School: ___________________________________
AISD Assigned School for 2015-2016 ____________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name(s) _____________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Email Address (if available) _____________________________________________________
Telephone Numbers:
Home _________________________
Work _________________________
(Parent/Guardian)
(Parent/Guardian)
Home _________________________ Work _________________________
(Parent/Guardian)
(Parent/Guardian)
I certify that the work contained in this application is the work of the applicant.
______________________________________________________
Date __________________
Student Signature
______________________________________________________
Date __________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Austin Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color,
national origin, gender, disability, or English language skills in its programs and activities.
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
Date received:
THE ESSAYS WILL BE PAGES 3, 4, AND 5 OF YOUR APPLICATION.
DIRECTIONS FOR
THREE ESSAYS
Respond to essay prompt #1. Then respond to any TWO of the other essay prompts.




Applicants will write THREE essays.
Write each essay on a separate page.
Write the number of the essay prompt at the top of the page.
Your responses may be typed or hand-written. If you type, please double-space and use a
reader-friendly 12-point font.
 Each essay response should be at least 100 words in length but no longer than one page. Be
specific and give examples.
 On the back of the page, write your name and (if you attend an AISD campus) your student
identification number.
Essay Prompt #1 (required of all applicants)
1. Why is the Kealing Magnet Program the best place to meet your specific academic and
personal goals, and how would you contribute to the Kealing community in areas other than
academics?
Respond to any TWO of the following essay prompts.
2. How do you define success? Describe how someone you know lives up to your definition.
(Evaluative Thinking)
3. Describe a time when you stood up for something important that you believed in. Explain what
you did, why you did it, and what you learned. (Risk-Taking)
4. Describe a challenging activity or project that took you a long time and discuss what motivated
you and kept you working. (Perseverance)
5. Explain five creative ways you could use these gears for something other than their intended use.
(Critical Thinking)
Kealing Magnet Program
Teacher Recommendation Form
Student Name _________________________________
Current
Grade: ___________
AISD
Student ID: _________________________________
Teacher Name ________________________ School _____________________ Grade level you teach (taught) this student ________
(Only recommendations from the current and prior year’s teachers are accepted.)
Subjects you teach (taught) this student:
Language Arts/Reading
Social Studies
Teacher’s Signature ____________________________________________________
Math
Science
Date ___________________
Teachers: This form MUST be at Kealing no later than January 25, 2015.
Please mail to: Kealing Magnet Admissions, 1607 Pennsylvania Ave. Austin, TX 78702
Or email a copy to: [email protected]
Personal and
Work Ethics
Communication and
Collaboration
Problem
Solving
Motivation and
Initiative
Academic Ability
and Achievement
Please rate the student for each of the criteria below based on your observations of the student in your classroom.
Produces work that is above academic grade
level.
Performs well on topics that may not be of
particular interest to him/her.
Produces work products that are organized,
accurate and thorough.
Submits class work and homework on time.
Is eager to learn.
Goes beyond the required assignment to
resolve unanswered questions.
Is willing to take intellectual risks.
Is curious about academic topics.
Actively looks for and suggests solutions to
problems.
Integrates complex information.
Is aware of patterns and connections among
ideas.
Is effective at presenting his/her own ideas
verbally.
Is effective at presenting his/her own ideas in
written form.
Relates well to others when working.
Contributes to the group process in a positive
manner.
Is open to the ideas of others.
Demonstrates a high level of integrity in the
classroom and school.
Is respectful of individual and cultural
diversity.
Shows empathy.
Is focused and self-directed.
Never
0-5% of the
time
Occasionally
25%
of the time
Sometimes
50%
of the time
Often
75% of the
time
Always
95-100% of
the time
0
1
2
3
4
Kealing Magnet Program
Teacher Recommendation Form
Student Name _________________________________
Current
Grade: ___________
AISD
Student ID: _________________________________
Teacher Name ________________________ School _____________________ Grade level you teach (taught) this student ________
(Only recommendations from the current and prior year’s teachers are accepted.)
Subjects you teach (taught) this student:
Language Arts/Reading
Social Studies
Teacher’s Signature ____________________________________________________
Math
Science
Date ___________________
Teachers: This form MUST be at Kealing no later than January 25, 2015.
Please mail to: Kealing Magnet Admissions, 1607 Pennsylvania Ave. Austin, TX 78702
Or email a copy to: [email protected]
Personal and
Work Ethics
Communication and
Collaboration
Problem
Solving
Motivation and
Initiative
Academic Ability
and Achievement
Please rate the student for each of the criteria below based on your observations of the student in your classroom.
Produces work that is above academic grade
level.
Performs well on topics that may not be of
particular interest to him/her.
Produces work products that are organized,
accurate and thorough.
Submits class work and homework on time.
Is eager to learn.
Goes beyond the required assignment to
resolve unanswered questions.
Is willing to take intellectual risks.
Is curious about academic topics.
Actively looks for and suggests solutions to
problems.
Integrates complex information.
Is aware of patterns and connections among
ideas.
Is effective at presenting his/her own ideas
verbally.
Is effective at presenting his/her own ideas in
written form.
Relates well to others when working.
Contributes to the group process in a positive
manner.
Is open to the ideas of others.
Demonstrates a high level of integrity in the
classroom and school.
Is respectful of individual and cultural
diversity.
Shows empathy.
Is focused and self-directed.
Never
0-5% of the
time
Occasionally
25%
of the time
Sometimes
50%
of the time
Often
75% of the
time
Always
95-100% of
the time
0
1
2
3
4
*OPTIONAL*
REQUEST TO SHADOW AT KEALING
SUBMIT AN ELECTRONIC REQUEST (ONLINE)
AND YOUR COMPLETE APPLICATION BY FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015
th
th
Students applying to the Magnet Program may visit Kealing for a day. Current 5 graders will be paired with a 6 grade
th
th
student host and accompany (shadow) that student to each of her/his classes. Current 6 graders will be paired with a 7
th
th
grader, and current 7 graders will be paired with an 8 grader.
If you feel that such a visit would help you
in your decision process,
Submit your application and complete the online
shadow request at:
www.kealingshadow.appspot.com/shadow
Or if you do not have internet access please call:
512-814-5671
If either the Kealing Magnet Program application or the Shadowing Request is received after January
23rd, we will be unable to schedule the applicant for shadowing. No exceptions.
Shadowing will be offered from January 20 – February 27, with no shadowing on February 16th. To be scheduled for a visit,
students must have an application [pages 1-7] on file in the Magnet Office by Friday, January 23, 2015. In order to
maintain the learning atmosphere that students are coming to see, we limit the number of visitors on any single day. We
appreciate your understanding, and we will fill requests as they are received. You will be notified via email or phone of the
specific date you are scheduled to shadow. If you have not been notified of a shadow date by February 17th, please contact
the Magnet Office at (512) 414-2450.
You are responsible for making arrangements at your school AHEAD OF TIME so that your absence will not be considered
unexcused. The Kealing Magnet Office will give you a letter verifying the day spent at Kealing.
Upon arrival at Kealing, students need to sign-in at the tables in the Library. Plan to arrive at Kealing. All students may bring a
lunch or lunch money. (The standard lunch price is $2.50.)
Students may ride the Kealing buses. For Magnet bus schedules, go to www.austinisd.org/schools/bus/
If riding a bus to/from Kealing, bus information needs to be included on the online shadow form. When students sign-in, they
need to verify who will pick them up at 3:00 p.m. or the bus number they will be riding home. Parent pick-up is easier if
parents arrive after the buses leave at 2:55. Students must be picked up in the Library by the parent/carpool driver at the end
of the day.
Si necesita esta información en español sobre Shadowing, por favor communíquese con Brooke Wagen 512-228-2319.
How Applications Are Scored
KEALING MAGNET PROGRAM
EVALUATION MATRIX AND RUBRICS
AISD Number
Student Name __________________________________________
Student’s Current Grade Level _________
Rate each item on a scale from 0 to 10.
ITEMS SCALE
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
ESSAYS
Total score for the three application essays and a doubleweighted timed essay (given with the admission test) divided by 2
Essays 1______ 2______ 3______
Timed Essay ______ x 2
Score ______
Add writing scores then divide by 2.
STAAR TEST
or other approved Standardized Test
Percentile Rubric
or Scale Score Points
Reading ______ ______
Math
______ ______
Add rubric points then divide by 2.
Avg. Points ______
SCHOOL PERFORMANCE
Rubric
Points
Report Card Grades
______
Teacher Recommendations
______
Add rubric points then divide by 2.
ADMISSION TEST
Avg. Points ______
Score ______
See the reverse side to learn how a scale score is assigned to each
component of the application.
8
9
10
How Applications Are Scored: Additional Information
1. ESSAYS (0-10 points)
Each essay prompt is designed to elicit evidence of a behavior or skill that is important to a student’s success in the Kealing Magnet
Program. Each essay is scored 1, 2, 3 or 4. If the essay cannot be scored (due to illegibility, response in a language other than English,
misunderstanding of the directions, failure to address prompt, etc.) the essay will receive a “0.” Each essay is scored by a team of three
teachers.
1 = content illustrates almost no evidence of the behavior, skill, or motivation typical of the grade level
2 = content illustrates minimal evidence of the behavior, skill, or motivation
3 = content illustrates solid and convincing evidence of the behavior, skill, or motivation
4 = content illustrates strong and overwhelming evidence of the behavior, skill, or motivation
Scores for the three application essays are added together with a timed essay (which is weighted twice), divided by 2, then recorded on
the matrix.
2. STAAR TEST (or other approved standardized test) (0-10 points)
STAAR TEST
Incoming 6th
Incoming 7th
Incoming 8th
STAAR 4TH Scale Scores
Spring 2014
STAAR 5TH Scale Scores
Spring 2014
STAAR 6TH Scale Scores
Spring 2014
Matrix Score
Percentile
Reading
Math
Reading
Math
Reading
Math
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
97+
94-96
91-93
88-90
85-87
82-84
79-81
76-78
73-75
70-72
≥1773
1723
1686
1656
-1633
1610
-1591
1573
≥1795
1746
1710
1677
-1657
1635
1616
-1599
≥1799
1749
1713
1684
-1667
1637
-1618
1601
≥1927
1847
1799
1764
1735
1710
1691
-1672
1656
≥1858
1808
1772
1742
-1718
1696
1677
-1659
≥1926
≥1842
1814
1791
1762
1752
≥1720
1706
1693
1680
3. SCHOOL PERFORMANCE (0-10 points)
Scores from Report Card Grades (0-10) and Teacher Recommendations (0-10) are totaled and divided by 2 to determine the average for
the overall School Performance score (0-10).
REPORT CARD GRADES
TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS
Core subject area grades are averaged to
determine scale score.
Total points from two teacher
recommendations determine scale score.
Scale
Average Grade
Scale
Total Rating
10
97 or higher
10
145 – 160
9
94 – 96
9
130 – 144
8
91 – 93
8
115 – 129
7
88 – 90
7
100 – 114
6
85 – 87
6
85 – 99
5
82 – 84
5
70 – 84
4
79 – 81
4
55 – 69
3
76 – 78
3
40 – 54
2
73 – 75
2
25 – 39
1
70 – 72
1
10 – 24
4. ADMISSION TEST (0-10 points)
Students will take a 40-minute test and complete a 30-minute timed essay administered by a professional school staff member. The timed
essay is weighted twice as part of the “Essays” scored criteria.