This paper examines the broad concept of college readiness, the research on advanced placement courses in high schools, and recommends that a statewide effort is needed to increase college readiness, college acclimation, college persistence, and college graduation rates. This effort needs to include a shared vision and the inclusion of multiple…

In the first decade of the 21st century, the nation, the states, and colleges and universities began to grapple with the challenges of globalization, changing demography, the implications of the digital era, and of a less expansive public sector. Although not a transformative period for higher education, the decade saw significant innovations in…

The purpose of a state report card is to provide the general public and policymakers with information to assess and improve post secondary education in each state. "Measuring Up 2008" is the fifth in a series of biennial report cards that evaluates states in six overall performance categories: (1) Preparation for post-secondary education…

North Carolina's Mathematics Science Education Network (MSEN) pre-college program, which began in 1986, exposes predominantly African American sixth- through twelfth-grade students to mathematics- and science-based courses and careers. The state of North Carolina spent $414.42 per pupil per year (a total of $387,897) during the median four-year…

This report provides information about the performance of 2009 graduating seniors who took the ACT as sophomores, juniors, or seniors; and self-reported at the time of testing that they were scheduled to graduate in 2009 and tested under standard time conditions. This report focuses on: (1) Performance: student test performance in the context of…

This publication reports on the extent and usefulness of information provided to high schools by colleges on the college readiness of freshmen attending college in states covered by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). The opening section notes the usefulness of college to school reporting, the importance of students arriving at college…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) "The Costs and Benefits of an Excellent Education": U.S. Could Net $45 Billion Annually if One Year's Worth…

A study was undertaken to identify the characteristics of the adult learner who persists in the North Carolina learning laboratories program, and to differentiate between him and the student who does not persist. The program was established under the "Open Door Policy" articulated by the State Board of Education in 1963, which opened all…

College-based programs that motivate underachieving teenagers to graduate and pursue further education is part of a menu of initiatives Guilford County, North Carolina, has introduced to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of students in its middle and high schools, where racial and ethnic diversity and poverty have been on the rise. As…

This study determined curriculum costs in comprehensive junior colleges for one college-parallel, 28 technical, and 16 vocational curriculums. Differential costs were found for each of ten components identified for all curriculums. Aggregate curriculum costs were determined from the sum of the ten component costs. Differential costs were found…

THIS REPORT DESCRIBES THE ACTIVITIES OF THE EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (EIP), A MULTIFACETED COMPENSATORY EDUCATION AND ENRICHMENT PROJECT FOR DISADVANTAGED PUPILS IN SOUTHERN SCHOOLS. SUPPORTED BY THE SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS AND VARIOUS FOUNDATIONS, PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY EIP INCLUDE PROJECT OPPORTUNITY, AIMED AT…

In three counties of western North Carolina, students who meet requirements of the New Century Scholars program during their last 6 years of secondary school are guaranteed a 2-year scholarship to Southwestern Community College. Financed by community fund-raising efforts, the program provides a close network of academic and social support for…

Few researchers have asked students directly about what they know and need to know regarding college and career planning. Given the critical choices made early in high school, ninth graders (n = 222) were surveyed regarding their educational and career plans and the resources they were using in their decision-making. Overall results as well as…

The purpose of this state report card is to provide the general public and policymakers with information they can use to assess and improve postsecondary education in each state. "Measuring Up 2006" is the fourth in a series of biennial report cards. The report card grades states in six overall performance categories: (1) Preparation:…

This state report card is derived from "Measuring Up 2004," the national report card for higher education. Its purpose is to provide the public and policymakers with information to assess and improve postsecondary education in each state. "Measuring Up 2004" is the third in a series of biennial report cards. The report card…