Video and Materials from the Feb. 28 NACAC/Pathways Congressional Policy Forum

At the Feb. 28 National Association for College Admission Counseling/Pathways to College Network Congressional Policy Forum, 11 organizations dedicated to improving the transition to higher education made the case to Congressional staff and others for stronger linkages between K-12 and postsecondary education policy in the areas of rigorous curriculum, college counseling, and financial aid. If you missed the Forum, digital video of each speaker's presentation and a collection of issue papers from the organizations are now available online. Featured presenters include:

• Sandy Baum, Professor of Economics, Skidmore College and Chair, Pathways to College Network Financial Aid Steering Committee
• Barbara Blackburn, President, American School Counselors Association
• John Dean, Board President, National College Access Network
• Hector Garza, President, National Council for Community in Education Partnerships
• Larry Griffith, Director of College and University Relations and Assistant Vice President for Higher Education Services, College Board
• Maureen Hoyler, Executive Vice President, Council for Opportunity in Education
• Dallas Martin, President, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
• Bradley Richardson, Regional Director, International Baccalaureate Organization of North America
• Nancy Segal, Assistant Vice President and Director, Washington Office, ACT Inc.
• Joyce Smith, Executive Director, National Association for College Admission Counseling
• Gerald Tirozzi, Executive Director, National Association of Secondary School Principals
• The Honorable Bob Wise, President, Alliance for Excellent Education

Good Reads: New Reports and Websites

College access: Results from a survey of low-income teens and parents
A recent Ad Council survey sponsored by the American Council on Education and Lumina Foundation asked low-income young people about their aspirations, preparation, and resources for pursuing education beyond high school. Though the aspiration to go to college was strong, a clear understanding of how to prepare was not. The survey also documents parents' expectations and support of their children. The survey was conducted in preparation for an upcoming Ad Council campaign on college access.
[View the survey results]

Ready for college and ready for work: Same or different?
This issue brief summarizes the findings of a new study from ACT that shows that the skills needed for success in workforce training programs are comparable to those needed for success in the first year of college. The study looks at occupations that do not require a four-year college degree but offer potential for career advancement and are likely to offer a wage sufficient for a family of four. The math and reading skills needed for success in the vast majority (90%) of these jobs were comparable to similar college-readiness benchmarks.
[Read the issue brief]

Academic Pathways to Access and Student Success (APASS) website
This website includes an inventory of nine “academic pathways” between K-12 and higher education, including: Advanced Placement, bridge programs, the College Level Examination Program, dual credit/dual enrollment, distance learning, GED programs that bridge to college, International Baccalaureate, middle and early college high schools, and Tech Prep. The site shows which pathways are in place in each state, whether special efforts exist for underserved students, and if the programs have state support. APASS is a project of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Office of Community College Research and Leadership.
[Visit the site]

It’s my life: Postsecondary education and training guide
This guide from Casey Family Programs provides social workers, teachers, mentors, and others who work with students from foster care, students with disabilities, and independent students with valuable strategies and resources for helping students prepare for college success. The publication includes a comprehensive guide to standardized tests, a plan for applying for financial aid, and resources for students with special needs. Established in 1966 by the founder of United Parcel Service as an operating foundation, Casey Family Programs promotes improvements in child welfare policy and practice.
[Read the report]

The Pathways to College Network
http://www.pathwaystocollege.net