Develop a four-year course trajectory with each 9th grader leading to a college-ready curriculum¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

Recommendation 1 advises high schools to offer a college-ready curriculum as the default, communicate course requirements to students and families before high school, and plan coursework with each 9th grader. The panel recommends that "at a minimum, all students should pass Algebra I by the end of their 9th-grade year," and that counselors build individualized plans that are living documents referred to by teachers, counselors, and provided to parents.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• High schools must offer the relevant courses as a default and ensure students understand what constitutes a college-ready curriculum by 9th grade

Constraints¶

• Low level of evidence: none of the studies examining the impact of offering a college-ready curriculum met WWC standards

Target Learners¶

• High school students, particularly low-income and first-generation students

Target Learning Goals¶

• Academic preparation for college-level work without remediation

Related Strategies¶

• Use assessment measures throughout high school to inform students of college readiness and assist them in overcoming deficiencies
• Provide hands-on assistance with college entry steps (entrance exams, searches, visits, applications) and financial aid, beginning before 12th grade
• Surround students with college-educated mentors and college-going peers to build college aspirations

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Tierney, W. G., Bailey, T., Constantine, J., Finkelstein, N., & Hurd, N. F. (2009). Helping students navigate the path to college: What high schools can do: A practice guide (NCEE #2009-4066). Washington, DC: National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/PracticeGuide/11