Transition: High School to College

Saving Now or Saving Later: How High School Reform Can Reduce the Nation’s Wasted Remediation Dollars

This Alliance for Excellent Education policy brief, targeted toward federal and state policymakers, argues that remedial college courses are economically inefficient. Costs associated with remedial courses include the cost of the course which is often federally funded through grants, and, because students who enroll in remedial courses are much less likely to graduate, loss of lifetime earnings. The brief argues that reforming high school curriculum and teaching and ensuring vertical alignment through college- and career-readiness are essential and much more cost effective.

From GED to College Degree: Creating Pathways to Postsecondary Success for High School Dropouts

This report from Jobs for the Future examines the GED as a pathway to postsecondary success. Authors John Garvey and Terry Grobe note that although 60 percent of GED test takers express a desire to further their education beyond the GED and nearly half of all GED holders go on to postsecondary education, only 4 percent earn a degree. They argue that GED test takers are poorly prepared for college, partly because the GED narrowly focuses on passing the minimum standards of the exam, rather than building comprehensive literacy and numeracy skills.

Education as a Data-Driven Enterprise: A Primer for Leaders in Business, Philanthropy, and Education

This brief, sponsored by Alliance for Excellent Education, Civic Enterprises, and the Data Quality Campaign, discusses the importance of using data at various levels within the education system. The authors describe the use to of data in identifying students at risk of dropping out as well as in identifying if students are college and career ready. The brief also identifies challenges, including making sure that data is accessible while protecting privacy, and linking data across systems.

The Community Schools Approach: Raising Graduation and College Going Rates—Community High School Case Studies

This report from the Coalition for Community Schools discusses how eight high schools across the country are decreasing dropout rates as community schools. The author examines how these schools have been increasing achievement and preparing students for careers, college and life through focused leadership, robust partnerships, and critical programs and services. Case studies on each of the schools are included, highlighting background, programs and services, partnerships, leadership, and results.

Out of School and Unprepared: The Need to Improve Support for Students with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood

This policy brief, sponsored by ARISE Coalition, documents the results of the review of about 200 individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities demonstrating noncompliance. The author provides recommendations that include identifying the diploma type sought in the transition plan, disseminating information about transition and post-secondary programs to students with disabilities and their families; and teaching self-advocacy skills. This resource may be especially relevant to policy makers and special educators.

Preparing Students for College and Career: California Multiple Pathways

This issue brief, sponsored by the Alliance for Excellent Education, discusses using multiple pathways to prepare students for college and career. The author examines the effects of California’s multiple pathways programs on high school students, concluding that multiple pathways can increase high school graduation rates, engagement, achievement, and college and career readiness. The author also provides recommendations that include addressing federal laws, funding stream structures, and policies that inhibit multiple pathway programs.

From High School to the Future: Potholes on the Road to College

This report, sponsored by the Consortium on Chicago School Research, discusses whether Chicago Public School students are participating in the college search and application process effectively and where they run into obstacles. The authors examine the effect of school culture and guidance systems on students participation in the college application process, particularly for minority students.

Success at Every Step: How 23 Programs Support Youth on the Path to College and Beyond

This publication from American Youth Policy Forum is designed to help policymakers and practitioners learn about effective programs supporting college- and career-readiness. The authors describe programs that have been proven to help young people successfully complete high school and be prepared for success in postsecondary education and careers. These programs represent a wide range of interventions, including school-wide reform initiatives, community-based afterschool services, work-based learning opportunities, and college access programs.

Career Academies: Long-Term Impacts on Labor Market Outcomes, Educational Attainment, and Transitions to Adulthood

The researchers investigated the effects of participation in Career Academies on the labor market preparation, school-to-work transitions, and other long-term outcomes for young people. The findings suggest that academic learning need not be compromised by career education, and investments in career-preparatory activities for high school students can create significant improvements in long-term outcomes.

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