Nation's governors discuss high school reform at the 2005 National Education Summit on High Schools
For two days this February, governors, business executives, and education leaders met at the 2005 National Education Summit on High Schools, co-sponsored by Achieve, Inc., and the National Governors Association, to discuss the steps needed to increase high school graduation rates and ensure that a high school education adequately prepares students for success in postsecondary education and the workplace. The summit’s action agenda outlines key state-level reforms, including aligning graduation requirements with college-readiness standards; strengthening accountability for high schools and colleges; and better integrating K-12 and postsecondary education. At the end of the summit, Achieve, Inc. announced the formation of the American Diploma Project (ADP) Network, a coalition of 13 states committed to:

• Raise high school standards to the level of what is actually required to succeed in college or the workforce.
• Require all students to take a rigorous college and work-ready curriculum.
• Develop tests of college and work readiness that all students will take in high school.
• Hold high schools accountable for graduating all students ready for college and work, and hold colleges accountable for the success of students they admit.

ACT, Inc. and the Education Trust release "On Course for Success" report
On Course for Success, a joint policy report from ACT, Inc., a Pathways partner, and the Education Trust, answers the question: What is it that successful schools with high-minority and high-poverty populations are doing in their courses to produce large numbers of college-ready students? They found that these schools are teaching the right kind of courses; course rigor is the key to their success. The report details the necessary components of a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, from key courses to the specific high-level knowledge and skills that students should master in those courses. [Read the report]

Southern Regional Education Board joins Pathways to College Network
The Southern Regional Education Board has joined forces with the Pathways to College Network in its efforts to inform and improve college access marketing campaigns around the country. SREB will be taking leadership of the Network's activities related to college access marketing, along with the College Board and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. SREB's experience in the field, including their existing "Go Alliance" initiative, makes the new partnership a very exciting one for the Network. The "Go Alliance" is a multi-state partnership that facilitates states working together to develop more effective college outreach campaigns, including sharing materials like TV/radio spots and informational videos that carry key messages to students and parents.

Success Story: Arkansas students heed employers’ advice to take challenging courses
Arkansas high school students in two districts that are conducting community-wide motivation campaigns completed more rigorous academic math and science courses during the 2003-2004 school year. Arkansas is one of 14 states participating in the national State Scholars Initiative under the auspices of the Center for State Scholars, a Pathways partner. [Read more]

"The College Track" slated for April primetime broadcast in Boston, MA
"The College Track" public television documentary is scheduled for broadcast on WGBH 44 in Boston as part of the station’s “Eye on Education” initiative. Tune in Wednesday, April 6 from 8–11 pm. For more information on "The College Track," visit http://www.thecollegetrack.com.

Evaluating family involvement programs (Harvard Family Research Project)

National postsecondary student aid study: Student financial aid estimates for 2003–04 (NCES)