Blueprint for College Readiness

Posted by Education Commission of the States on November 10, 2014

The Education Commission of the States launched the Blueprint for College Readiness initiative to provide guidance and support to the growing number of states working to improve student success and transition from high school into postsecondary. Designed by state leaders for state leaders, the Blueprint features a menu of 10 critical policies promoting college readiness and success. The following 50-state analysis explores the extent to which states are pursuing these policies. The accompanying resources, technical assistance and online database are designed to respond to the unique needs of states.

The Blueprint is designed to serve as a framework to help K-12 and higher education leaders conceptualize the multitude of education reform efforts underway in their states. It’s based on the premise that K-12 and postsecondary collaboration is essential
to building an aligned education pipeline and improving student outcomes.

The framework unites two driving forces in state and federal policymaking: 1) to improve the college and career readiness of graduating high school students and 2) to decrease remedial education and improve the rate of students who earn a degree or credential.

The following analysis includes four high school policies, four postsecondary policies and two “bridge” policies that impact both stakeholders. Collectively, the 10 policies described in the Blueprint enable states to bring together college and career readiness, transition and degree attainment goals.

The second section of the report contains individual state profiles as a way for leaders to quickly discern where strengths and opportunities exist and where they can get more information and resources should they decide to take action. Finally, a 50-state searchable data portal will provide an array of content-rich, easy-to-understand features.

See all the results of all 10 Blueprint policies:  http://www.ecs.org/html/educationIssues/blueprint/blueprint-intro.asp.