Several factors determine if students are adequately prepared for postsecondary education. Students should acquire basic literacy and reading skills by the end of 3rd grade, a basic understanding of algebra and geometry by 8th grade, and have taken at least one advanced science class by the 12th grade, according to the Mathematics Equals Opportunity report from the U.S. Department of Education. Unfortunately, the Department also found that scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) exam show that a large proportion of the nation’s 8th-grade students are unprepared for a rigorous, college-prep curriculum: 68% score below proficient in reading, 71% score below proficient in math; and 70% score below proficient in both science and writing.

Preparation is particularly important for low-income students. In Investing Early: Intervention Programs in Selected U.S. States, the Institute for Higher Education Policy found that while inadequate financial aid and a lack of knowledge about college requirements keeps low-income students out of higher education, inadequate preparation is also to blame. Students from low-income families are more likely to be enrolled in nonacademic curriculum tracks and thus not be prepared for college entrance exams, college coursework or future employment opportunities. NAEP scores for low-income students lag far behind their less-disadvantaged peers, with 85% scoring below proficient in reading, math and writing and 88% scoring below proficient in science.

Policymakers need to consider several changes to the K-12 system to improve postsecondary preparation. Students, parents and schools must understand that education and training beyond high school is necessary for all students. Rigorous standards for all curricula, whether collegiate, technical or job-related, must be implemented to ensure no student falls behind. And blurring the line between high school and college through programs like dual and concurrent enrollment will allow students to learn at their own pace and feel a personal investment in their education.

For more information about postsecondary preparation, please consult the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems and the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, as well as the ECS Issue Sites on Outreach and Dual and Concurrent Enrollment.

Reference Information

© 2011 Education Commission of the States
"Equipping Education Leaders, Advancing Ideas"
700 Broadway, #810  |  Denver, Colorado 80203-3442
303.299.3600  |  Fax: 303.296.8332  |  Email: ecs@ecs.org  |  www.ecs.org
Read our privacy policy