The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children in Texas and across the United States. The theme of this issue is "Rejecting a Return to Tracking." Articles include: (1) Getting it…

Increasingly, colleges and universities have begun to recognize the potential of students who do not meet standard admissions criteria, or who, despite their talents and abilities, come from educational backgrounds that did not prepare them adequately for the rigors of higher education. As a result, many of these institutions use alternative…

When students make the transition from one curriculum to another, with significant overlap of content, the challenge is not so much to impart new information but rather to tap into students' existing knowledge base. The purpose of this study was to determine if achievement in an external examination that requires analysis could be enhanced by the…

The end of 7th grade provides an important moment to assess how prepared California's students are to succeed in the more advanced math curriculum that starts with algebra. At a minimum, all California students are required to successfully pass Algebra I in order to receive a high school diploma. But Algebra I also functions as the gateway to more…

The current economic and political environment has increased the pressure on higher education to deliver education that is cost-effective, standardized, and accessible. Summer bridge programs have traditionally been one of the economical ways to increase the access and retention of non-traditional, first-generation, or at-risk students. Retention…

In California, the typical college-prep course sequence in math includes Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Students advance through these courses at different rates. A number of students proceed at a quick pace, with some completing Algebra II by the end of 10th grade and a few even earlier. At the other end of the spectrum, some students…

Ensuring that students have a strong foundation in mathematics by the end of 7th grade is essential if they are to move successfully into an advanced math curriculum that begins with algebra. But student achievement at the end of 7th grade varies widely in California--and this has consequences. Some 7th graders are taking a full Algebra I course;…

Eager prospective music majors often desire to see themselves as successful future musicians. However, majoring in music does require some degree of preparedness that goes beyond passion. Not all students are prepared for formal study of music at the college level. Most college music faculty expect their students to have had extensive musical…

Access to higher education remains a challenge for many students who face academic and informational barriers to college entry. This guide targets high schools and school districts, and focuses on effective practices that prepare students academically for college, assist them in completing the steps to college entry, and improve their likelihood…

America's economic and social well-being is increasingly dependent upon the capacity of public education system to prepare all students for college and high-performance careers. With almost 80 percent of today's fastest-growing jobs requiring some postsecondary education, all students--regardless of their race/ethnicity, gender, socio-economic or…

This article presents a rationale and strategies for providing individualized transition planning for learning-disabled students preparing for postsecondary programs. The article stresses planning and goal setting, academic preparation, personal/social skill development, and student followup. Two case studies illustrate the strategies. (DB)

This article examines the role of the student with learning disabilities in the transition to postsecondary settings, including participating on the transition planning team, selecting high school classes, evaluating postsecondary options, and enrolling in college. Practical suggestions to support students in this process are offered. (Author/DB)

The arts statement in the College Board's book "Academic Preparation for College" is discussed. The book recognizes the arts as a necessary academic area of study and defines the necessary arts competencies both for general college success and for advanced artistic study. Its suggestions should be adopted. (RM)

Recommendations of a Southeast Missouri task force concerning high school preparation for Southeast Missouri State University are offered. Attention is directed to: requirements for admission to the university, academic competencies that are necessary for success at the university, qualities and competencies that contribute to college success, and…

This report uses the phrase, "College Readiness" to refer in a general sense to the level of preparation a student needs to be ready to enroll and succeed--without remediation--in a credit-bearing course at a two-year or four-year institution, trade school, or technical school. Increasingly, however, college readiness also means "workplace"…