Diploma to Nowhere published by Strong American Schools has some fascinating new remediation data. 4 out of 5 high school students who enrolled in college remediation had a high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher. 95% said they did all or most of their high school work that was asked of them.80% thought they were ready for college when they graduated from high school. The cost of remediation for each student is estimated at $2,000 for two year and $2,531 for 4 year public colleges- these are the high range estimates , but seem low to me.
For the report go to: http://www.edin08.com/diplomatonowhere.aspx

Labels: college costs remediation, college knowledge

A useful and incisive article on high school counseling is by Laura W. Perna et. al in The Review of Higher Education, Winter 2008 , Volume 31. They conduct case studies in 3 high schools in 5 states concerning availability of counseling, what counselors do about college counseling , external influences such as the district, and policy implications. They urge simplifying college applications and financial aid, a district wide committment,and lament that other priorities than counseling take precedence at low resource schools. Teachers play a narrow role and counselors gear their activites to the average child.
Overall , it is not a positive picture concerning college knowledge of students except in Maryland.

Labels: college knowledge

Many students who are in the middle or lower part of their high school graduation class are unsure whether or when they should go to college. The next decision is where. Starting with the first two decisions is correct, but complex. Many students want to delay going or think they are ready academically and cannot. This is analyzed in depth by the publication I co-authored "Betraying the College Dream" at http://brigeproject.stanford.edu. This website has many other studies that discuss these issues. But since then we have added another website to guide prospective college students through their decisions on whether, where, and when to go to college. Just click the website at the right hand top of this blog to begin solving the college puzzle. It asks you questions on many pieces of the puzzle and then gives you summary advice at the end.

Labels: college costs, college information, college knowledge, ready for college

I attended a conference on early college high schools that enable
average students to take college courses in high school up to 60
credits. These schools are spreading through Gates foundation grants,
and are impressive. They utilize lots of innovative practices
starting in the middle grades to prepare and nurture students for
college. Most of them are in low income areas and admit by lottery.
But they require students to attend longer hours, and to pursue a
college prep curriculum. But early college high schools have many
supports for students such as mentors, counselors, parent outreach,
and stimulating curriculum. They are smaller and more personalized
than typical big city high schools.

The costs are higher for early college schools and I wonder what
will happen after the foundation money runs out. However, the results
may be worth the extra money, and I was impressed with the energetic
staff and some preliminary outcomes for students. gates is evaluating
these schools so we will know more in a few years. For an overview,
check the major technical assistance provider for early college - www.jff.org

Labels: academic preparation College Completion, college costs, college information, college knowledge, College Preparation, College Readiness, College Success, curriculum alignment, ready for college

The Education Policy Institute conducted 30 focus groups in Missouri for middle and high school students. Students understand college helps get high paying jobs, but their college knowledge was weak in many ways. The top profession named by students was professional athlete, and parties and money were the top reasons for attending college. The most influential advisors for students were : parents, siblings, and friends. Many of the students lacked confidence about their ability to complete college work.
The EPI report makes some specific useful recommendations at http://www.educationalpolicy.org/.

Labels: college information, college knowledge