College Guidance, Preparation, and Success

A new Jobs for the Future report reiterates the disparity in college retention rates and points to ways dual enrollment systems can benefit students, allowing them to earn college credits while in high school and helping them transition smoothly into higher education. Why dual enrollment might work? Recent polls show that only 29 percent of community college students attain a degree, only 56 percent in four-year institutions, and only 11 percent of low-income students attain diplomas. Although dual enrollments are available to an increasing number of students, majority minority schools continue to lack this option, which plays into the issues of access and equity. Yet, the report notes, dual enrollment stands to benefit students who are least likely to consider college or be college bound, by challenging them intellectually, stimulating their thinking in new ways, and presenting students with an opportunity to get a taste of college. Visit: http://www.jff.org/

Historically K-12 and higher education systems have operated in silos, often disconnected from realities students face when transitioning from one system to another. However, in the last few years (primarily since 2005), there has been a push by 38 states to form P-16 or P-20 councils of high-level leaders to align standards and expectations. In times when only 70 percent of high school students graduate within four years, growing dropout rates, and low college retention rates, the need for collaboration is both necessary and timely. Moving forward, the councils should expand beyond the goal setting, advisory roles and engage in actual reforms and accountability structures that will ensure the vision of the councils is realized. To learn more visit Ed Week.