Bridging the College-Readiness Expectations Gap by Working Together

In 2004-05, educators at Western Connecticut State University partnered with two school districts to decrease the number of students needing remediation in college. “Building a Bridge to Improve Student Success” seeks to ensure that university faculty, high school students, and their teachers are on the same page about college expectations. To date, the project has reduced remediation rates, increased the percentage of students enrolled in credit-bearing courses, and raised the university’s retention rates. Presenters will share the project’s model and data and provide practical information about how to launch, sustain, and expand K-16 collaboration in diffi cult economic times.

Linda Vaden-Goad, dean, School of Arts and Sciences;
Linda Rinker, provost and vice president for academic affairs; and
Abbey Zink, assistant dean, School of Arts and Sciences, Western Connecticut State University, Danbury Conn.;
William Glass, deputy superintendent, Danbury Public Schools, Danbury, Conn.