SHEEO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

Concurrent SessionCollege Readiness:

Current Initiatives, Future Consequences

Michael Cohen, AchieveAnn Coles, The Education Resources Institute (TERI)

Brian McGill, Utah System of Higher Education, UTAH MentorPatricia Plummer, Massachusetts Board of Higher Education

Key Questions

• What do we mean by college readiness?• How college-ready are today’s students?• What state-level readiness initiatives are

underway and how are they funded? • How are college readiness results being

measured? • How can states best learn from each other?

Working Definitions

• How do we define “college?”Four-year, two-year degree programsHigh skill, post high school certificate programs

• How do we define “college readiness?”Yesterday: prerequisite courses/Carnegie units,

SAT/ACT scoresToday: knowledge, skills and competencies to

succeed in regular first year college courses without needing remediation

• Upgrading public four-year college admissions requirements (courses, test scores, GPA)

• Changing instruction to focus on high level content & skills

• Aligning high school graduation standards with postsecondary expectations

• Providing students with financial incentives for meeting college readiness standards

State Policy Strategies for Increasing College Readiness

Comprehensive Definition of College Readiness

Four facets• Habits of Mind• Key Content• Academic Behaviors• Contextual Skills & AwarenessDeveloped by EPIC (Educational Policy Improvement

Center) for the Gates Foundation

ADP Network launched at 2005 Summit: 13 original states committed to raising

achievement

ID

AZ

UT

MT

WY

NM

CO

AL

SC

TN

KY

INOH

NC

SD

KS

NE

MN

WI

IA

IL

MO

AR

MS

OK

ND

OR

CA NV

WA

TX

PA

VA

NY

CT

WV MD

NJ

VTNH

MA

DE

RI

HI

GA

FL

ME

MI

LA

AK

ADP Network today: 30 states now committed to raising achievement

ID

AZ

UT

MT

WY

NM

CO

AL

SC

TN

KY

INOH

NC

SD

KS

NE

MN

WI

IA

IL

MO

AR

MS

OK

ND

OR

CA NV

WA

TX

PA

VA

NY

CT

WV MD

NJ

VTNH

MA

DE

RI

HI

GA

FL

ME

MI

LA

AK

A growing number of states have policies that help prepare H.S. graduates for

college and work

4

3

5

8

5

6

2

4

6

7

7

42

21

16

32

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

High schools accountablefor college readiness

P-16 longitudinal datasystems

High school tests used bycolleges

Rigorous graduationcourse requirements

Aligned standards

2006 2007 In process/planned

Massachusetts push for college and career readiness

Patricia PlummerMassachusetts Board of Higher Education

August 15, 2007

Massachusetts Higher Education

• Public system comprised of 5 University campuses, 9 state colleges, 15 community colleges

• MA is also home to 140 independent postsecondary institutions

• Unlike most states, more total students educated in the independent sector than in the public sector

The Massachusetts Context

• Massachusetts slow to develop P16 initiatives• Separate governance structures for early ed, K12,

higher ed. • Evolving collaborations led by national and local

policy leaders, public and private• The landscape is changing

– New Governor elected in 2006 – Readiness Initiative

• MA shares national challenges – look at data

By 2010, new jobs will require more education

10%

22%

36%

31%

0%

20%

40%

60%

High schooldropout

High schooldiploma

Somepostsecondary

Bachelor'sdegree

Source: Carnevale, Anthony P. and Donna M. Desrochers, Standards for What? The Economic Roots of K–16 Reform, Educational Testing Service, 2003.

Degree level required for new jobs

Source: Manhattan Institute, Public High School Graduation and College-Readiness Rates: 1991–2002, February 2005, http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/ewp_08.htm

Too few high school students ready for college

College-bound does not mean college-ready

Percentage of U.S. college freshmen requiring remedial help

28%

22%

14%11%

0%

20%

40%

60%

Reading,Writing or Math

Math Writing Reading

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Remedial Education at Degree-Granting Postsecondary Institutions in Fall 2000, 2003.

Pathways to College – 1990s on

American Diploma Project (ADP) – MA an early adopter in 2002

In 2005, Massachusetts was named one of 10 Honor States by the National Governor’s Association. Awarded $2 million grant over two years to improve high school graduation rates and increase college and career readiness.

Received $150,000 from Nellie Mae Education Foundation for School-to-College linked database and reports

Recently named lead policy team for Achieving the Dream in Massachusetts.

Working with Jobs for the Future on “Double the Numbers” initiative

Moving toward college readiness

Progress to date:

Developing a recommended high school curriculum aimed at better preparing more students for college

Working to better align high school curriculum in grades 11 and 12 with college entrance requirements

Built P-16 “School to College” database which will allow us to track performance of students from pre-school through college

Creating “School to College” reports for schools to help monitor student performance and success, intervene where necessary

Working to create optional Algebra II exam to determine college readiness

Advocating for $2 million restore dual enrollment statewide.

Developed “Think Again” ad campaign

Efforts underway to develop College & Career Readiness Web Portal for all Massachusetts students

Governor Patrick’s 10-year Readiness Initiative

“Cradle to career” strategic plan for education, including Dual Enrollment, early assessment, free community college, closing the achievement gap

MA Board of Higher Education work has informed this process, at the table going forward

Progress to date (continued):

“Think Again” campaign

Launched earlier this year

Ads ask: “Think college isn’t for you? Think again.”

Goal: Increase college-going rates, especially for under-represented students

Campaign elements: TV, cinema, radio and transit ads, all driving viewers to ReadySetGotoCollege.com

Website is now purely informational; goal is to evolve into Massachusetts college and career readiness web portal

Poster/postcard

Posters distributed to 5,000 public high schools across the state

Transit Ad

Transit ad running on buses in major urban areas across the state

UtahUtah““College Access, Preparation & Readiness”College Access, Preparation & Readiness”

Brian P. McGillBrian P. McGill,,Manager of School, Student & Outreach ServicesManager of School, Student & Outreach Services

Utah System of Higher EducationUtah System of Higher EducationUtah Higher Education Assistance AuthorityUtah Higher Education Assistance Authority

SHEEO – Boston, MA - 2007SHEEO – Boston, MA - 2007

“Building a Stronger State of Minds”

Utah System of Higher Education• Four Year Colleges and Universities

– 6 Public, Non-Profit

• Two Year Community Colleges– 3 Public, Non-Profit

• Colleges of Applied Technology – 9 Public, Non-Profit

• Private Colleges and Universities– 2 Non-Profit

• Private Two Year College– 1 Non-Profit

_________________________________________________________________ • 21 Total campuses with academic articulation agreements

Our MissionOur Mission

… … to inform, educate, guide, and to inform, educate, guide, and assist all students and parents assist all students and parents

with making informed decisions with making informed decisions about about preparingpreparing,, participatingparticipating,,

completingcompleting,, andand payingpaying for Higher for Higher Education in Utah, with a priority Education in Utah, with a priority

and emphasis in serving and emphasis in serving low-low-incomeincome, , first generationalfirst generational, and , and

ethnic minorityethnic minority students students..

College Outreach

PrepareParticipateCompletePay

College Readiness • Readiness = Access to Information in Early Grades

- Counseling, Advisement, Marketing, Web, Literature

Academic Rigorous Curriculum- State Scholars, AP, Concurrent, IB- Early College High Schools (6)

Aspiration to Succeed- Intrinsic Motivation- Extrinsic Motivation

Affordability- UESP - Savings, Family, Grants (Federal & State), Scholarship/s, Work Study, Student Loans

Accountability- Self- Educational System- Policy Makers

AccessAccess to Information & Planning Utilities to Information & Planning Utilities w

ww

.uta

hm

en

tor.

org

ww

w.u

tah

men

tor.

org

Portfolio – My eBackPack

UtahMentor Student UsageUtahMentor Student Usage

130,000 student 130,000 student accountsaccounts

2 Million Hits 2 Million Hits a montha month

35,000 sessions 35,000 sessions a montha month 0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

State Wide Counselor Training

Admissions ApplicationsAdmissions Applications Over Over 25,000 25,000 applications applications

processedprocessed

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Student Sessions by YearStudent Sessions by Year

400,000 in 2007400,000 in 2007

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

350000

400000

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

20032004200520062007

Testimonials“I scored a 33 on the ACT thanks to UtahMentor.”

- Amy S., Itineris HS, Jordan District

“UtahMentor is exactly what our program needs.”- Nelda K., Dixie State College, ETS Director

“We’re interested in using UtahMentor’s SEOP district wide at both the middle and high school.”

- Pam J., Counseling Guidance Director, Davis District

“I wish I would have had something like this when I was in school!”

- Utah Parents

Early AwarenessEarly Awareness40,000 brochure requests annually40,000 brochure requests annually

– UESP – Saving for CollegeUESP – Saving for College

– Explore, Plan, Prepare, Explore, Plan, Prepare,

Apply, and Pay for CollegeApply, and Pay for College

– Financial LiteracyFinancial Literacy

– PublicationsPublications

– Student GroupsStudent Groups

College & Financial Aid NightsCollege & Financial Aid Nights

Wash

ing

ton

Cou

nty

Nati

on

al

New

s

88thth Grade Campaigns Grade Campaigns“Achieve to Succeed” & “Are You Ready?”“Achieve to Succeed” & “Are You Ready?”

• 2007-20082007-2008

• UESP UESP (529 Savings Plan)(529 Savings Plan)

• AP, Concurrent, IBAP, Concurrent, IB

• ACG/SMART GrantsACG/SMART Grants

• New Century ScholarshipNew Century Scholarship

• Utah Scholars InitiativeUtah Scholars Initiative

High School to High School to College Guide BookCollege Guide Book

• UtahCouncilUtahCouncilSecondary to Post-Secondary RelationsSecondary to Post-Secondary Relations • Fall High Fall High School Tour School Tour

• Every Senior ReceivesEvery Senior Receives

Middle & High School PostersMiddle & High School Posters

Academics - Utah Scholars Initiative• WICHE Funded Grant, 2006

– 2 Year Program Implementation– Academic Rigorous Curriculum

• 4 Years English• 4 Years Math• 3.5 Years Social Studies• 3 Years Lab Science• 2 Years Foreign Language

– 4 School Districts (Pilot)– Student / Parent Contracts– Business / Community Participation– Rewards:

• Recognition Banquet• ACG Eligibility• New Century Scholarship• Scholarships• Regents Diploma / Graduation Cord / Scholarships – Under Discussion

www.utahscholars.org

Academics• # 1 Predictor of College Success

– More likely to enroll, persist, complete– Alleviates need for remediation

• Student Educational Occupational Plan– Mandated by State Legislature– Counselors administer– Individual Student: Career, College, & Academic Plan

• Financial Plan needs to be added– Assess: Interests, Abilities, Aptitudes, Skills, Abilities, Personality, Values, and

Strengths, and align with course scheduling and post-secondary plans.– Annual conference with student and parent– Next step planning– Goal setting and annual evaluation– Articulate career and educational pathways

College Planning CurriculumCollege Planning Curriculum

Counselors, Financial Literacy, Adult Roles

Online SEOP Grades 8 - 12

Includes Resume Builder

SEOPGrade 11

Utah’s Student Educational Occupational Plan

College Aspirations• Students must keep “Eyes on the Prize”• Intrinsic Motivational Component:

– Connect career interests to educational pathways– Encourages completion of long-term goal (persistence)– Seeking knowledge, education, better opportunities– Performance today (GPA, test scores, courses) determines future– Encourage paths that support students’ interests and strengths– Students to students: “It’s realistic and attainable”– If you have the will, you’ll find a way

• Extrinsic Motivational Component:– Job Seeking Opportunities– Salary, self-sustaining adult– Opportunity for advanced degrees

Affordability – What are my financial options?

#1 Reason why students drop out of college

National Training 4 Counselors Initiative- ED, NASFAA, & NCHELP

Scholarship Search10,700 Scholarships, over $7 Billion in Awards

Assista

nce

Ethnic Minority Scholarships

African-American Students United Negro College Fund Historical Black Colleges & Universities Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund

Hispanic Students Scholarships for Hispanics Hispanic College Fund Institute

Native American Students Utah Navajo Trust Fund American Indian College Fund Tribal Colleges American Indian & Alaskan Native Employee Association Association of American Indian Affairs

Asian-American Students Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund

FAFSA Profile Transfer

Accountability – Who is Responsible and How do we Measure Progress?

• Self• Educational System (K-16)

– Student Tracker (Enrollment, Retention, Completion, Individual)

– Disaggregating data• Policy Makers• Public and Higher Education Administrators• Parents• Teachers• Counselors• Local Community• Religious Community• Business & Industry

Campus Access ProgramsCampus Access Programs

GEAR UPGEAR UP - - Gaining Early Awareness and Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate ProgramsReadiness for Undergraduate Programs $9.6 Million State Grant$9.6 Million State Grant 16 high schools, 28 junior highs, & 4 colleges16 high schools, 28 junior highs, & 4 colleges Grades 7-12Grades 7-12 Academics, Access, Tutoring, Counseling, ScholarshipsAcademics, Access, Tutoring, Counseling, Scholarships

Jack Kent Cooke FoundationJack Kent Cooke Foundation – – $1 million grant$1 million grant 8 high schools8 high schools 1 University1 University

TRIO ProgramsTRIO Programs - - EEducational opportunity for low-ducational opportunity for low-income and disabled students and funded under Title IV income and disabled students and funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Workforce Educational Economic Development Workforce Educational Economic Development AllianceAlliance

• Utah System of Higher EducationUtah System of Higher Education Utah Higher Education Assistance AuthorityUtah Higher Education Assistance Authority

• Utah State Office of EducationUtah State Office of Education

• Office of Vocational RehabilitationOffice of Vocational Rehabilitation

• Adult EducationAdult Education

• Workforce ServicesWorkforce Services

• K-16 AllianceK-16 Alliance

Education = Income = Education = Income = Tax BaseTax Base & Educated Society & Educated Society

Median Income by Education LevelMedian Income by Education Level

$22,437$30,356

$45,776

$65,301

$0

$10,000

$20,000

$30,000

$40,000

$50,000

$60,000

$70,000

HS Diploma AA, AS, Cert. BS Degree AdvancedDegree

HS Diploma AA, AS, Cert. BS Degree Advanced DegreeInstitute for Higher Education Policy (2005): The Investment Payoff, Appendix 1

Initiatives to Initiatives to IncreaseIncrease PreparationPreparation• K-16 AllianceK-16 Alliance

– Public and Higher Education CollaborationPublic and Higher Education Collaboration– Committees: Committees: Access, Academics, Guidance, Minorities, Teacher Education, Career PathwaysAccess, Academics, Guidance, Minorities, Teacher Education, Career Pathways

• Minority Task ForceMinority Task Force– Advanced Placement Incentive ProgramAdvanced Placement Incentive Program– Minority State Education Curriculum PlanMinority State Education Curriculum Plan

• Utah Scholars InitiativeUtah Scholars Initiative– Rigorous Academic StandardsRigorous Academic Standards– Incentive Based ProgramIncentive Based Program

• UESPUESP– Utah’s College 529 PlanUtah’s College 529 Plan

• UtahMentor.org UtahMentor.org – Academic and Financial Aid PlanningAcademic and Financial Aid Planning– Student Educational Occupational PlanStudent Educational Occupational Plan– College Admissions/ApplicationsCollege Admissions/Applications– Scholarships / FAFSAScholarships / FAFSA

• New Century ScholarshipNew Century Scholarship– 75% Tuition based scholarship incentive for completion of Associate’s Degree by graduation75% Tuition based scholarship incentive for completion of Associate’s Degree by graduation

• Concurrent Enrollment / Advanced PlacementConcurrent Enrollment / Advanced Placement– College level classes offered in high schoolCollege level classes offered in high school

• Increased mentoring/counseling for studentsIncreased mentoring/counseling for students– GEARUP, TRIO, ETS, Upward Bound, Jack Kent CookeGEARUP, TRIO, ETS, Upward Bound, Jack Kent Cooke– Lowering Counselor - Student RatiosLowering Counselor - Student Ratios