On Course for Success: A Close Look at Selected Courses That Prepare All Students for College

Author: ACT and The Education Trust
Publication Date: 2004
Full text available online at: http://www.act.org/research/policymakers/pdf/success_report.pdf

Abstract (written by WestEd)

Recognizing that students' future earnings are positively correlated with level of education achieved, this study researches ten high-achieving, high-poverty, high-minority high schools to answer the research question: "What are the components of high school courses that prepare students for successful entry into postsecondary education without the need for remediation?"

The study isolates four major characteristics shared by these high-performing high schools that contribute to students' future success both in work and in college:

  1. High-level, college-oriented material in core courses
  2. Qualified, experienced teachers
  3. Teaching that is flexible and responsive to students
  4. Tutorial support
This study looks at the curriculum for the English, mathematics, and science classes in these ten schools and provides sample course syllabi, course descriptions, and key components to a successful syllabus and course. It is the authors' hope that all stakeholders will use this report to evaluate their offerings in these subjects against the recommendations in this report.



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