News from the Pathways to College Network

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and the Pathways to College Network Framework: Mutually Supportive Visions and Complementary Goals
This Research Brief discusses the mutually supportive visions of NCLB and the Pathways to College Network Framework for college readiness, which undergirds all the research-based recommendations and tools of the College Readiness for All Toolbox. For educators charged with meeting the requirements of the law, the Pathways Framework is a comprehensive approach that empowers schools to improve academic rigor, social support, parental and community involvement, and data collection and analysis to give all students the K-12 education that prepares them for success. [Read the Research Brief | Explore the Toolbox]

Courses count: Preparing students for postsecondary success
This ACT policy report examines why many students (28% of all college freshmen; 40% in public two-year institutions) are not academically prepared to succeed in college without remediation. Though there is a specific course sequence that seems most effective in preparing students for college-level work, many students aren't taking those courses, with the greatest gaps in math and science. ACT's recommended minimum course sequence is:

English 9-12

Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and one advanced math course beyond Algebra 2

Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

1-2 years foreign language

In all, only about one-third of ACT-tested students take all of the courses needed for college readiness. Another important part of college preparation is improving the rigor of courses, with a renewed emphasis on depth of knowledge over breadth. The report recommends 1) Increasing postsecondary readiness by requiring that all students take specific college preparatory course sequences in English, mathematics, science, and foreign language; and 2) Improving the rigor of high school coursework with a greater focus on in-depth content coverage and considerably greater secondary-to-postsecondary curriculum alignment. [ACT Policy Reports]

Pathways to a new future: Service as a strategy for re-engaging at-risk youth
For the estimated 3.8 million youth between the ages of 18 and 24 who are neither employed nor in school, service corps are an effective strategy for getting back on track to higher education and careers. The key to improving long-term outcomes for corpsmembers is intentional post-program transition support, whether this be assistance with goal-setting, vocational training and placement, or help navigating the process of applying for college and financial aid.

The report recommends 1) Having funders require and provide support for post-program transition services; 2) Dedicating full-time staff to transition services; 3) Fostering knowledge exchange and training in best practices; 4) Focusing policy attention on the value of service corps as a way to re-engage at-risk youth; 5) Developing partnerships with groups that provide college-prep services; and 6) Institutionalizing effective pathways to identify and enroll at-risk youth, provide assistance for college entry and support services for college success, and connect students with the job market upon graduation. [Learn more]