The “What Works Clearinghouse” recently issued a new report, “Helping Students Navigate the Path to College: What High Schools Can Do,” that provides five recommendations for policymakers, educators and administrators to help high schoolers become college-ready academically and raise their college-entrance rate. ACT data released in August, 2009, indicates that from the scores of the high school graduating Class of 2009, there were only 23% who were college-ready to earn at least a grade of “C” or better in freshman college courses based on their ACT test scores in English, math, reading and science. Though a larger percentage of students were considered to be college-ready in individual academic subjects, ACT states that a significant share of high school graduates would need remediation in all four subjects. According to ACT, of high school graduates only 67% were college-ready in English, 53% in reading, 42% in mathematics, and 28% in science.
Recommendations
1. Offer courses and curricula that prepare students for college-level work, and ensure that students understand what constitutes a college-ready curriculum by ninth grade.
However, the report warns that first generation and low-income students are not as likely as other students to take and complete a rigorous college-readiness curriculum in high school. The report cites six exemplars of college-ready high school requirements. All six essentially require that students complete 4 years of English, 3 years of math, 2 or 3 years of science and of social studies, and 1 to 2 years of foreign language.
2. Utilize assessment measures throughout high school so that students are aware of how prepared they are for college, and assist them to overcome deficiencies as they are identified.
High school assessments are essential to identify which students are becoming college-ready academically, since 60% of all college students must take a remedial course as part of their admissions requirements. Such assessment data can be used by high schools to craft individualized education plans to help students improve their college-readiness.
3. Provide students with adults and peers who build and support their college aspiration.
There are strategies that can help students develop supportive relationships, such as mentoring relationships with adults and college students, participating in extracurricular activities such as debate clubs, career exploration and job-shadowing opportunities.
4. Engage and assist students to complete critical steps for college entrance.
High school students should prepare and take relevant college-entrance or admissions examinations, including 11th grade practice tests and actual exams in 12th grade. High schools can assist students to access these opportunities, guide them toward postsecondary education programs that align with their goals and qualifications, and help them with college applications.
5. Increase information to and families’ awareness of, college costs and financial aid, and assist students with college student financial aid applications.
First generation and low-income families and students tend to lack information about college student financial aid, and tend to overestimate college costs. High schools can provide materials, and hold sessions to help students and families learn about such information earlier, rather than later, in a student’s high school career.
The “What Works Clearinghouse” does recognize that educators, guidance counselors and parents all have multiple demands on their time and may lack adequate knowledge and information to effectively help students navigate pathways to college readiness. But the report offers some strategies and solutions to help with these situations.
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