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College Readiness Indicator Systems (CRIS)

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Evidence · 2 claims (1 for, 1 mixed) · 1 study (1 theoretical), q1 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description

A framework developed by the Annenberg Institute for School Reform and partners for organizing indicators of students' academic preparedness, academic tenacity, and college knowledge.

Components

  • College readiness is multidimensional: academic preparedness, academic tenacity, and college knowledge: The CRIS Framework conceptualizes college readiness as multifaceted, with three distinct yet interdependent dimensions beyond academic preparation. Academic preparedness covers content knowledge and cognitive strategies for college-level work; academic tenacity covers the beliefs and attitudes that drive achievement; college knowledge covers the knowledge base and contextual skills for accessing and navigating college. The framework states that educators increasingly recognize that "academic content alone is not enough to ensure success." (Annenberg Institute for School Reform et al. (2014))
  • Three dimensions of college readiness: academic preparedness, academic tenacity, and college knowledge: The CRIS framework conceptualizes college readiness as multifaceted and features indicators for "three distinct yet interdependent college readiness dimensions." Academic preparedness covers content knowledge and cognitive strategies (e.g., GPA, availability of Advanced Placement courses); academic tenacity covers underlying beliefs and attitudes driving achievement (e.g., attendance, disciplinary infractions, self-discipline); college knowledge covers the knowledge base and contextual skills for accessing and navigating college (e.g., knowledge of financial requirements, college-going culture). (Graciela N. Borsato et al. (2013))
  • Tri-level approach: indicators at individual, setting, and system levels: The CRIS framework posits that solely considering student-level outcome indicators does not suffice; context must be monitored to see whether conditions for college readiness are in place. Individual-level indicators measure students' personal progress; setting-level indicators track school resources and opportunities such as college-going culture and AP availability; system-level indicators focus on district policy and funding infrastructure such as guidance counselors, professional development, and data resources. The three dimensions combined with the three levels form a 3 x 3 matrix called the CRIS Menu. (Graciela N. Borsato et al. (2013))
  • Tri-level approach: indicators are needed at individual, setting, and system levels: A distinctive feature of the CRIS Framework is its premise that student-level outcome indicators alone are insufficient to promote college readiness. Individual-level indicators identify students needing support; setting-level indicators track school resources and opportunities; system-level indicators monitor district policy and funding infrastructure. The document argues that the tri-level perspective posits that "the consideration of context is critical to monitor whether the conditions (i.e., resources, practices, policies) are in place to promote college readiness." (Annenberg Institute for School Reform et al. (2014))

Claims

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Key Sources

  • Annenberg Institute for School Reform, Brown University; John W. Gardner Center for Youth and their Communities, Stanford University; & University of Chicago Consortium on Chicago School Research. (2014). Beyond college eligibility: A new framework for promoting college readiness. College Readiness Indicator Systems Resource Series. https://ccsr.uchicago.edu
  • Graciela N. Borsato, Jenny Nagaoka, and Ellen Foley. (2013). College Readiness Indicator Systems Framework. Voices in Urban Education, Fall 2013. https://vue.annenberginstitute.org
Page metadata
Field Value
type product
id college-readiness-indicator-systems-cris
aliases cris-framework, cris-menu, college-readiness-indicator-systems-cris-framework
title College Readiness Indicator Systems (CRIS)
description A framework developed by the Annenberg Institute for School Reform and partners for organizing indicators of students' academic preparedness, academic tenacity, and college knowledge.
status review
product_kind framework
generated by process:settle-candidates on 2026-10-09
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