College: 2-year

This report from the Annenberg Institute for School Reform highlights successful college readiness strategies, identifies college readiness research and policy gaps, and discusses the role of the community in college readiness initiatives. The information, collected through a scan of the field, is organized using three college readiness dimensions (academic preparation, academic tenacity, and college knowledge) and provides brief descriptions of policies and programs reflecting each dimension.

This study examined the relationship between social networking and academic performance in high school and college enrollment trends among white and Hispanic youth. The analysis used longitudinal data from a representative sample of high school seniors in the state of Texas. Time spent on homework and social networking, especially interactions with high school counselors, predicted college enrollment of Hispanic female students. Grade point average and taking college preparation courses predicted college enrollment of white female students.

This article presents a four-year case study on the impact that an urban college preparatory charter high school had on the postsecondary outcomes of its graduates. Through analysis of staff and teacher interviews, the impact that logistical constraints and staff turnover had on the implementation of the school’s mission to prepare educationally and socially disadvantaged students for college was revealed.

This evaluation of the Illinois College and Career Readiness Act Pilot Projects, partnerships between five community college and high schools to develop college preparatory programs and supplemental services, assesses their implementation and promising practices. Focus groups, interviews, and classroom observations were used to gather information about each program. Program elements, attainment of program goals and student and instructor perceptions are provided for each program.

This study uses a national sample of students in sixth and ninth grade to determine how students perceive the utility of schooling for career development. Students demonstrated little awareness of the relationship between work and school, skills and knowledge required of them and learning opportunities at their disposal. In addition, students found extracurricular activities to be more important to their future careers than academic activities.

This study of high school students examines the gender differences in college-ready performance in reading, math and both subjects, and on the American College Test (ACT) and Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). Less than one-third of all students were said to be college-ready in both math and reading, and statistically significant differences were revealed in the subject areas and SAT average scores.

This longitudinal study uses a nationally representative sample of high school sophomores to explore if first-generation Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students suffer from inequalities in college access. The analysis revealed that first-generation AAPI students face inequalities in terms of college access, which results in lower educational expectations, lower probability of educational expectations, decreased probability of taking college entrance exams, and applying to and attending higher education institutions.

This study examined the effects of information about government support programs for college financial aid. H&R Block provided assistance with completing the federal application for financial aid (FAFSA) and information on eligibility for government aid and local postsecondary options to a randomly selected sample of low to moderate income families. Another randomly selected sample received only personalized aid eligibility information and no assistance with the FAFSA.

This evaluation of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) showed statistically significant differences between AVID and comparison students on measures of enrollment in eighth grade algebra, language arts grades, school absences, and college attendance, favoring AVID students.

This study evaluates what types of services, programs and providers are needed in Virginia to increase student access to postsecondary education. This report highlights the resources available by examining statistics, maps, figure and case-narratives, areas where progress is being made and college access roadblocks encountered. A detailed illustration which includes technical information is also described.