Transitions to Postsecondary: Analysis of 2008 Quality Counts

1. Transitions to Postsecondary: Analysis of 2008 Quality Counts Jennifer Dounay Education Commission of the States Presentation to the Governor’s P-20 Education Coordinating Council Colorado Springs, CO February 4, 2008

2. Education Week’sQuality Counts 2008 • CO: “D”, 64.3%; NY and TN: “A”, 92.9% • Five “college readiness” indicators: • State has defined college readiness • State requires all HS students to take college-prep curriculum to earn diploma • HS course credits aligned w/PS entry req’ts • State HS assts. aligned with PS system • State HS assts. used in state PS admission, placement, scholarship decisions Education Commission of the States

3. State Has Defined College Readiness • 15 states = “yes” • Four categories earned states a “yes” • Courses – CA’s A-G curriculum • Skills – TN “Vision of a HS Graduate” • Standards – ADP alignment “complete” • Assessments – AR, TN ACT scores Education Commission of the States

4. Caveats • CA A-G: Remediation still often needed • No state measure of student learning • TN: Nearly 50% req. remediation • State assts. not aligned w/ “vision” Education Commission of the States

5. College-Prep Curriculum Required for All Grads • 3 states = “yes” (NY, TX, RI) • NY = Regents courses/exams • TX = “Recommended” curriculum • RI = Readiness may be demonstrated via proficiency-based credit Education Commission of the States

6. Course Credits Aligned w/PS • 6 states = “yes” • Results differ with ECS 2006 findings • ECS • 2010 - SD and OK • 2011 - IN Education Commission of the States

7. State Tests Aligned w/PS • 10 states = “yes” • Two categories earned states a “yes” • ACT/SAT statewide HS assessment • State demonstrated alignment (study, etc.) • Georgia – ADP-facilitated alignment study Education Commission of the States

8. HS Tests and Admissions, Placement or Scholarships • 9 states = “yes” • Scholarships = AZ, MA • Admission – MD allowed, not required • Placement • TX – benchmark scores on grade 11 TAKS • NY – Regents and CUNY/SUNY placement Education Commission of the States

9. Conclusion • No silver bullets • EOCs help ensure course content • IN experience promising • Common HS and PS expectations send clear messages to students/parents Education Commission of the States

10. jdounay@ecs.org 303.299.3689