Preparation

Upward Bound is one of the largest and longest-running federal programs designed to help disadvantaged students prepare for, enter, and succeed in college. This report is the last in a series of study reports from the Upward Bound evaluation. Data collected included surveys, high school and post-secondary transcripts, and data on Upward Bound participation. Results indicated that Upward Bound increased the likelihood of earning a post-secondary certificate or license from a vocational school.

This report examined disparities in the distribution of teaching and learning resources in California secondary schools. Results indicated that the most disadvantaged populations of middle and high school students are likely have teachers with limited qualifications to teach their subject areas. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds also were less likely to be enrolled in the necessary courses for admission to four-year public institutions.

This study from the Stanford Institute for Higher Education Research found that the overwhelming majority (80%) of Hispanic and African American students surveyed planned to pursue some kind of post-secondary education, but misaligned K-16 systems are putting up barriers to college access. Furthermore, high school assessments do not measure the same skills and knowledge that colleges require for entry.

This report from ACT examines academic factors indicative of first-year college success and retention for high school students, specifically underrepresented racial/ethnic minority and low-income students. The report finds that college readiness, core curriculum, and taking additional coursework in math and science are directly related to college success. This report also discusses factors that lead to lower college success rates and presents recommendations for narrowing achievement gaps.

This study examines a sample of schools selected based on their success with assisting underrepresented students with being college ready in order to develop a definition of college readiness. Thirty-eight public high schools were visited to determine what programs, activities, practices, attitudes and cultures these schools had, and the study revealed seven main principals that assisted with fostering college readiness.  

This study evaluated if the knowledge and skills contained in the Common Core State Standards Initiative reflect what is important for college and careers. A national sample of instructors from 25 course categories in two- to four- year institutions were selected. Results suggested a positive correlation between proficiency in the Common Core State Standards and the extent of readiness students exhibit for a wide range of post-secondary courses.

This study examined the effects of the Comprehensive Intervention Programs (CIP) on students’ preparedness for college. CIP provided a variety of activities and services intended to increase success in post-secondary education. Sixth grade students were tracked over a period of two years. The study did not find statistically significant program effects on CIP students’ standardized test scores in reading and math.

This report compared the outcomes of Project Lead the Way (PLTW) relative to the High Schools That Work (HSTW) program.  The majority of study participants were white males who had parents that pursued post-secondary education. PLTW students had higher scores in math and science on the NAEP-referenced HSTW Assessment than similar HSTW career/technical students in comparable career/technical fields and all fields.

This study assesses how the High Schools that Work initiative prepares students for college and careers. The report also presents strategies that district and school leaders can use to help students become more prepared for transitioning from high school to college and careers.

This report reviewed whether high school students are meeting the high school course requirements needed for admission to four-year public universities in California. Patterns of high school course-taking associated with preparation for college and entry into California community colleges and four-year California State University and University of California institutions are documented. It was determined that students who complete college preparatory courses starting in 9th grade are more likely to complete the CSU and UC course requirements.