The College and Career Readines and Success Center closed on September 30,2019 because the grant cycle for the U.S. Department of Education Comprehensive Centers ended. The information on this website will no longer be updated. Visit www.air.org for updates on college and career readiness.
This report describes a constructivist career course, "Orientation to Self and Career," aimed at helping students meet the demands of the world of work. The report also explores the theoretical foundations, modules, activities, and outcomes of the course. Outcomes of the course include increases in students' career decision self-efficacy and decreases in students' self-defeating thoughts.
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Preparing students for college and careers includes exposing them to a range of educational and employment opportunities. In rural communities, the geographic distance to universities and businesses can present a challenge for students and schools. However, strong community relationships and partnerships can help mitigate these challenges, particularly in rural areas.
This literature review explores the role of noncognitive factors in academic performance, which is measured by student GPA. The report develops an evidence-based conceptual framework from existing literature on noncognitive factors. The report also analyzes existing research to identify any gaps in knowledge in order to assist policymakers who wish to assess leverage points for improving student achievement. Additionally, it examines implications for student learning, presents case studies, and provides recommendations.
This report highlights the Successful Transitions and Retention Track (START) Program at Idaho State University. The START Program, which consists of three components (classroom instruction, career and personal counseling, and math/English tutoring), is aimed at providing holistic support to students in order to increase the retention of GED holders entering college. This report also discusses some positive preliminary results on START initiatives, and provides first steps for implementing a START program.
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This month the College and Career Readiness and Success Center (CCRS Center) released a brief titled Understanding Accelerated Learning Across Secondary and Postsecondary Education. Prepared by the American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF), the brief catalogs and articulates accelerated learning options across and within secondary and postsecondary education.
A survey administered by the Center on Education Policy at George Washington University found that K-12 and higher education officials in most states are collaborating to implement the Common Core State Standards. In addition, most states reported that colleges and universities have determined that the new math and literacy standards meet standards of college readiness. However, officials in 16 states reported that they have had major challenges in collaborating with higher education.
A group of community colleges in Tennessee have been working with local high schools to create math labs for high school students. The math labs are available to high school seniors who appear likely to be in need of remediation in college and are focused on preparing students for college math. Bill Haslam, the state's governor, provided $1.1 million to the project after hearing of its success - 25% of of 200 students at a remedial, dual enrollment group at Chattanooga State Community College had completed a credit-bearing college-level math course while still in high school.
This report from the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology provides recommendations for increasing the number of college graduates with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Premised on the economic projections that we will need 1 million more STEM professionals than we are currently on track to produce, the report focuses on the most cost effective solution to this problem: retaining STEM majors through their first two years of college.
A record number of high school students, 1.3 million during the 2010-2011 school year, are aiming to cut down on college costs by completing college courses while still in high school. Some of the methods students are taking to earn college credit include taking AP and college courses, receiving college credit for life experiences, completing the College-Level Examination Program, and attending early colleges during their senior year of high school. Research has also found that high school students who are exposed to college-level work have an increased likelihood of success.
Jim Rose, director of the Wyoming Community College Commission, proposed that the state require students identified as needing remediation to take remedial courses in high school as opposed to waiting until they start college. He argues that community college students are taking too long to obtain their degrees and this proposal would assist in moving students through the community college system more quickly and save students money.
