Issue/Policy Brief

In November 2011, eleven states submitted applications to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for waivers from up to ten provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), now known as the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. Although the state waiver process currently underway presents an opportunity to strengthen college and career readiness among the nation’s high school students, the waiver applications as submitted may also have the unintended consequence of weakening high school graduation rate accountability.

This brief from the National College Access Network and Pathways to College Network synthesizes research on the college choice process, more specifically for low-income, first-generation, and minority students. The brief focuses on two aspects of college choice: fit (whether an institution meets a student's needs) and match (how an institutional selectivity relates to a student's academic ability). The brief also includes implications for practitioners, key considerations, and an interview with a representative from the National College Advising Corps.

This brief, the fourth in the College and Career Development Organizer series, summarizes the outcomes and measures of college and career success that have been collected and organizes this information into three key threads: 1) On-track indicators; 2) Attainment and authentication; 3) Accountability and improvement feedback. Along with a brief description of each thread, key components are highlighted and examples of each type of outcome and measure are provided.

This brief, the third in the College and Career Development Organizer series, summarizes the pathways and supports of college and career preparation that have been collected and organizes this information into three key threads: 1) Personalized Learning Supports; 2) Rigorous Programs of Study; 3) Aligned Resources, Structures, and Supports. Along with a brief description of each thread, key components are highlighted and examples of each type of pathway and support are provided.

This brief, the second in the College and Career Development Organizer series, summarizes the goals and expectations of college and career readiness that have been collected and organizes this information into three key threads: 1) Core Content; 2) Pathways Content; 3) Lifelong Learning Skills. Along with a brief description of each thread, key components are highlighted and examples of each type of goal and expectation are provided.

In this brief, the National High School Center provides an overview of the College and Career Development Organizer. First, the brief describes the organizer and its intended use, providing specific examples of what it is and is not designed to do. Then, it walks potential users through the organizer to familiarize them with its content. Finally, the brief concludes with key considerations for those engaged in college and career readiness work.

This brief summarizes a study designed to assess the effectiveness of dual enrollment programs with increasing high school graduation and college achievement. Data from participating dual enrollment students in Florida and New York City and a comparison group were collected, with a specific emphasis on students in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Results suggested that dual enrollment did encourage college success for students, including students in CTE programs, and particularly so for males and low-income students