Federal policy levers for an equitable pathways system: funding, mandates, certification, research, and data systems¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The brief recommends a set of federal actions: enhanced support and oversight through a new grant or formula program for SEAs and LEAs; legislation for universal access to pathways counselors; federal funding for standardized yet customizable resource development; incentivizing innovation through the Education Innovation and Research grant program; a cross-agency task force led by the Departments of Education and Labor; national training and certification for pathways counselors; K-12/higher education/industry partnerships; accountability with national benchmarks tied to funding rather than used punitively; IES longitudinal studies; and statewide longitudinal data systems. The brief states these levers "would provide a comprehensive federal system when created and implemented together; however, approaching any of the potential levers would be a positive step toward progress."

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Congressional action and Department of Education guidance; funding to ensure feasibility of standardization

Constraints¶

• The brief notes federal funding is limited and must be spread across several critical programs, and that long-term research may or may not be suitable for less intensive or formal forms of guidance

Target Learners¶

• All high school students nationwide, with guardrails for historically underserved groups

Target Learning Goals¶

• Equitable access to college and career counseling and pathways navigation

Related Strategies¶

• Seven-policy comprehensive approach to equalizing student access to certified and experienced teachers
• State and federal policy recommendations: recruit and prepare more candidates, retain new teachers through early-career mentoring, and improve working conditions

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• Rebeca Shackleford and Kristen Hengtgen. (2024). A Vision for Equitable Pathways: Enhancing Support and Innovation in College and Career Counseling. EdTrust/All4Ed. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED670956