Use score-linked college exploration alongside goal setting and parent conferences to build post-secondary plans¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The article recommends embedding the College Explorer in a wraparound planning routine: "Together with goal setting and parent conferences, College Explorer can help students develop a plan, consider new possibilities, and put post-secondary dreams within reach." The strategy pairs a data tool linking assessment scores to college benchmarks with structured student goal setting and family involvement so that exploration translates into concrete higher-education pathways.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Access to MAP Growth scores and the College Explorer tool
• Convening of goal-setting sessions and parent conferences around the tool's outputs

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• High school students

Target Learning Goals¶

• Developing post-secondary education plans and expanding considered possibilities

Related Strategies¶

• Nwea College Explorer Visualization
• Structured and Sustained Family Engagement Programs
• Surround students with college-educated mentors and college-going peers to build college aspirations
• Family Engagement

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• Kowalski, S. (2026). NWEA College Explorer. NWEA Research. https://www.nwea.org