School leaders know exposure to advanced coursework increases graduation and college-going rates. Students who take AP® courses and exams have better college outcomes than their peers, even if they don’t earn a score that qualifies them for college credit or advanced placement. Research shows that expanding access to more students creates more opportunities.
Category: Guest Blogs
Resources for Expanding College-Readiness Opportunities
Your Guide to a Comprehensive Internal Master Scheduling Audit
Your school’s master schedule is an essential tool for aligning student learning with performance goals, driving instruction, and providing a roadmap to success. A well-crafted master schedule reflects your school’s vision and promotes rigorous, equitable opportunities for all learners. Your master schedule impacts the success of your school in every way— from culture and morale […]
Clearing the Most Significant Barrier to College Degree Completion
Inadequate math preparation is the single biggest obstacle to college completion. The Mathematical Association of America has described Americans’ struggle with math as “the most significant barrier” to completing both STEM and other degrees. Students who take precalculus in high school are much more likely to clear that hurdle—increasing their likelihood of completing a bachelor’s […]
What Schools Should Know About the Digital SAT Suite of Assessments
Earlier this year, College Board announced that the SAT® Suite of Assessments is going digital. The digital tests, which include the SAT®, PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, and PSAT™ 8/9, will be easier to take, easier to give, more secure, and more relevant. We’ve been talking extensively to school and district leaders as we make this transition […]
Why Academic Integrity Is Important to Teaching and Learning
Every decision in life has a push and pull factor; from what are we moving away and towards what are we moving. When confronted with the choice to take a shortcut solution and engage in academic misconduct, struggling students may feel they are moving towards a better course grade and away from the stress of […]
How to Get Your Students Real-World Ready
Soon your students will be sitting in their desks, or at their screens, ready to begin a new school year. Where will your instruction take them? Can they see a clear path to a promising future? What can you give them, as an educator, a mentor, an ally? Now’s the time to imagine how you […]
Why the SAT Remains Important in a Test-Optional World
All students deserve the opportunity to succeed. When I’m asked why students should take the SAT®, that’s my answer. Because in today’s test-optional admissions landscape, the SAT allows every student—regardless of where they attend high school—to be seen and to access opportunities that will shape their lives and careers.
Keeping Students at the Center of Your Device Rollout
A year ago, the American Rescue Plan provided billions of dollars in federal relief for K–12 education. Many districts used these funds to purchase devices for every student. However, these devices can’t just be given to students without a plan; they must be distributed intentionally so that students understand how to use them responsibly.
Prepare Future-Ready High School Graduates with Social Emotional Learning
As educators, we are responsible for preparing students with the knowledge, skills, and social emotional competencies necessary to succeed in their future. However, the future is rapidly changing, and the educational gaps exposed by the pandemic mean that many high school students are not prepared for life after graduation.
Federal Funds Provide a Boost for Summer Enrichment
When you look at the budget for our entire school, $10,000 isn’t a lot of money. But at Reagan High School where I am principal, that money will allow us to help 80 students receive math and reading enrichment this summer so they’re more prepared academically when the new school year begins.