National Picture

Higher education aspirations of high school students are nearly universal, and 7 out of 10 high school graduates immediately enroll in a postsecondary institution. But just one-half of American high school graduates are taking the courses we know are most likely to promote persistence and degree completion in postsecondary education. As a result, degree completion at America’s higher education institutions is flat while our international competitors make gains.

Dr. Cliff Adelman examined the high value of high school rigor in predicting college completion. He found that high school rigor trumps all other variables in predictive power, including variables such as race, ethnicity and family income.

His research, among others, has prompted policymakers and educators to look for ways to improve college outcomes and educational quality. As a result, college preparatory courses have become the default courses for many students’ high school graduation requirements. This is a growing trend with significant momentum. Since the National Education Summit on High Schools in 2005, the nation has seen an increase in the number of states which have aligned course-taking requirements for high school with college readiness.

One response has been to encourage high school students to take a stronger course load in order to prepare for postsecondary education. However, this action alone does not ensure readiness. College preparatory courses have to be aligned to college and career-ready standards. College preparatory courses have to meet course-level objectives, and regularly assess how students are mastering the content.

It is critical for higher education leaders and faculty members to be engaged and involved in defining and validating these course-level objectives, assessments and standards. Postsecondary leaders make a powerful argument from both the institutional and system level perspectives about the benefits that can be realized from collaboration between higher education and the K-12 education system around improving college success. They make a compelling case that taking mutual steps in this effort will have a dramatic impact on our nation’s ability to spur degree completion and regain our competitive position in education in the global community.

To learn more about the national discussion on high school courses and college preparation, see the Resource Library.