A new report released today from the Education Commission of the States provides a snapshot of what states are doing to promote college readiness and success.
The Denver-based nonpartisan policy organization tracked the implementation of 10 key high school and higher education policies in all 50 states in its new “Blueprint for College Readiness” report and searchable data portal.
In the area of high school college- and career-readiness standards, for instance, the commission finds that 25 states require all districts to offer Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment, or similarly rigorous coursework, although policies vary considerably in their focus.
Of the 47 states with minimum high school graduation requirements, six states have completely aligned their statewide minimum higher education admission policies.
Higher education policies differ considerably by state.
The commission reports that 28 states have some specific high school coursework requirements for college admission, however, many are including additional and more comprehensive criteria. There are 39 states with policies regarding students taking remedial coursework upon entering college, yet some simply mention institutions should offer such services while others spell out specific requirements.
States are profiled within each section of the report, highlighting strengths of their policies, recommendations for change, and resources.