Rigorous High School Course Work: Best Predictor of College Success

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The session was derived from an ACT-Education Trust study, On Course for Success. The study focused on 10 successful schools with high-poverty and/or high-minority populations. Success was defined as producing a significant portion of graduates who met ACT’s college readiness benchmarks. The schools shared four characteristics: college-oriented content, qualified and experienced teachers, flexible pedagogy, and tutorial support. Rigorous course materials, course syllabi, and course descriptions from the study in English, math, and science, will be shared. The course syllabi, in particular, can be especially useful for beginning teachers as they reflect on their teaching practices and as they design their courses.

Presenters:
Mary Stein, Manager, ACT, Inc., Iowa City, IA
Carlton Jordan, Senior Associate, Education Trust, Washington, DC