Helping Students Navigate the Path to College: What High Schools Can Do: What Works Clearinghouse

Released:

September 2009

Topic:

College and Career Preparation

Education Level:

High School,
Post Secondary

Audience:

Administrator,
Parent/Family,
Policymaker,
Researcher,
School Specialist,
Teacher

Visit DWW:

For more on this practice guide visit Doing What Works

Related Resources:

Helping Students Navigate the Path to College

Download Practice Guide (2155 KB)

Summary

Access to higher education remains a challenge for many students who face academic and informational barriers to college entry. This guide targets high schools and school districts, and focuses on effective practices that prepare students academically for college, assist them in completing the steps to college entry, and improve their likelihood of enrolling in college.

Recommendations

Academic preparation

	Recommendation	Level of Evidence
1.	Offer courses and curricula that prepare students for college-level work, and ensure that students understand what constitutes a college-ready curriculum by 9th grade. Source – 2155 KB	Minimal
2.	Utilize assessment measures throughout high school so that students are aware of how prepared they are for college, and assist them in overcoming deficiencies as they are identified. Source – 2155 KB	Minimal

College aspirations and expectations

	Recommendation	Level of Evidence
3.	Surround students with adults and peers who build and support their college-going aspirations. Source – 2155 KB	Minimal

Steps for college entry

	Recommendation	Level of Evidence
4.	Engage and assist students in completing critical steps for college entry. Source – 2155 KB	Moderate
5.	Increase families’ financial awareness, and help students apply for financial aid. Source – 2155 KB	Moderate