Pathways

This policy brief advocates for the approval of academic credit based on the completion of career and technical education (CTE) courses. The brief argues that students who receive CTE instruction are more engaged and experience deeper learning of content in ideal conditions. The authors also propose a method for evaluating CTE courses for academic content in order to determine if they would meet the requirements for awarding academic credit.

This paper examines the impact of dual enrollment on college degree attainment for low socioeconomic status (SES) students. The author examined data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988, and data from a follow up study completed in 2000 resulting in a sample size of 8,800. The author found dual enrollment increases the probability of attaining a degree within 12-years of completing the 8th grade, and that dual enrollment did not hinder students from low SES backgrounds from attaining a degree.

This report describes the impact that various reform models - such as guided pathways, stackable credentials, and competency-based credentials - have on students' postsecondary outcomes as well as examples of how some states have been implementing these reform models. The report also discusses how technology and human systems in higher education inhibit transformative change while also presenting alternatives and solutions for addressing these barriers to change. Finally, the author presents policy recommendations that could accelerate the acceptance of the various reform models.

This policy brief explores how Early College High Schools increase high school graduation rates and postsecondary enrollment to improve outcomes for traditionally undeserved students. The brief provides an overview of Early College High Schools and also presents research that provides evidence of the positive impact Early College High Schools have on student outcomes. The brief also includes recommendations for model policy components that policymakers should consider when implementing Early College High Schools as well state examples.