Fostering a holistic path to college

Posted by on March 19, 2012

The missing element

College-readiness efforts are now directed at populations less likely to apply to, or even consider, higher education, but an important component of the college-readiness equation is largely overlooked, write Mandy Savitz-Romer and Suzanne Bouffard in Education Week. To set and achieve the goal of a college degree, young people must be not only academically and financially but developmentally prepared. They must be convinced that college is possible; have clear goals and a sense of self-direction; and be focused and tenacious, even when things get tough. Students already in possession of these qualities are much more likely to sign up for college-readiness programs. But those who most need enrichment and preparation often lack ability and inclination to seek support. College-readiness practices and policies must therefore reflect an understanding of young people as individuals, in particular their critical need to achieve balance between independence and a connectedness to others. In helping students build college-going identities, personal motivation, long-term persistence, and self-regulation skills, educators can help young people to focus, delay gratification, and develop agency in setting and reaching postsecondary goals. But this will require a shift in how educators prepare students for higher education. Programs and services must incorporate nonacademic components in addition to crucial academic and financial supports to prepare students and their families for post-secondary options.

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