Curriculum

This study assesses the effectiveness of bridge programs, which aim to provide interventions for high schools students to successfully transition into college. Results showed that effective bridge programs have strong relationships with their partner school district, have orientations and closing ceremonies, involve parents, implement formative and summative evaluations, and provide transportation, academic advising, professional development opportunities, and support services and labs to support instruction.

This study analyzes the impact of prior mathematics achievement on the relationship between high school mathematics curriculum and student’s postsecondary mathematics performance. The analysis used mathematics course-taking and achievement data from eight college semesters for 1,588 students. Findings revealed that students were equally prepared for intense college mathematics coursework, regardless of the high school mathematics curriculum they completed.

Using a nationally representative sample of high school seniors this study suggests that college enrollment is influenced by socioeconomic status, academic achievement variables, aspirations of family and friends for the student to attend college, college- linking activities, and parent and peer networks.

This resource guide synthesizes information collected through a review of more than 70 organizations focused on college and career readiness.

The College and Career Readiness Action Planning Template includes ten overarching questions designed to help states discuss key areas of college and career readiness. Each question has a series of more detailed subquestions that can be used to further examine each college and career readiness topic area.

This brief, the fourth in the College and Career Development Organizer series, summarizes the outcomes and measures of college and career success that have been collected and organizes this information into three key threads: 1) On-track indicators; 2) Attainment and authentication; 3) Accountability and improvement feedback. Along with a brief description of each thread, key components are highlighted and examples of each type of outcome and measure are provided.

This brief, the third in the College and Career Development Organizer series, summarizes the pathways and supports of college and career preparation that have been collected and organizes this information into three key threads: 1) Personalized Learning Supports; 2) Rigorous Programs of Study; 3) Aligned Resources, Structures, and Supports. Along with a brief description of each thread, key components are highlighted and examples of each type of pathway and support are provided.

This brief, the second in the College and Career Development Organizer series, summarizes the goals and expectations of college and career readiness that have been collected and organizes this information into three key threads: 1) Core Content; 2) Pathways Content; 3) Lifelong Learning Skills. Along with a brief description of each thread, key components are highlighted and examples of each type of goal and expectation are provided.

In this brief, the National High School Center provides an overview of the College and Career Development Organizer. First, the brief describes the organizer and its intended use, providing specific examples of what it is and is not designed to do. Then, it walks potential users through the organizer to familiarize them with its content. Finally, the brief concludes with key considerations for those engaged in college and career readiness work.

This 4-year longitudinal study evaluates the experiences of high school graduates enrolled in tech prep programs in eight regions across the nation. The study reports on their demographics, college readiness risk indicators, vocational interests, and performance as a function of graduation requirements at their high schools. The researchers reported no differences between participants and non-participants of tech prep programs with regard to college enrollment rates and percentage of students completing a degree or certificate.