How does a school prepare its students for higher education?
It's not uncommon for recent high school graduates transitioning to higher education to feel that their schools have failed to prepare them for the rigors and expectations encountered at the college or university level. There are many strategies that schools can and do implement in order to better prepare students for the next level. There is no universal approach to preparedness, but schools that adopt aggressive policies promoting student awareness, experience and achievement will do well by their students. The following practices are examples of those recommended by experts and/or successfully demonstrated to work.
Rigorous classes
A common criticism of schools is that classes lack the rigor demanded in higher education, especially in the areas of math and science. Even ACT, Inc., administrator of one of the largest college-readiness exams, voices this concern. Schools that offer "College Prep" or "Advanced Placement" classes provide students the opportunity to participate in more demanding programs. These classes are voluntary, so only those students who possess the motivation to accept the more challenging path will benefit.
Similar benefits can be associated with "Dual Credit" programs, where high schools have partnered with colleges to offer students college-level classes. This gives students direct experience of the demands of college, enabling them to develop the necessary study habits in advance. It can also provide them with a few college credits in advance.
Standardized testing
Testing doesn't prepare a student for college. At most, it may enhance a student's test-taking skills. Standardized testing is not meant as a preparatory tool, but an evaluative one. While the primary focus of state-mandated testing is to monitor school performance, the results of testing can also be used to assess student preparedness for college. Personalized results must be reviewed with students and then used to tailor programs to help students strengthen their skills in low-performance areas. This requires a nurturing culture that is focused on individual success.
Goal orientation
No matter how strong a school's programs are, student motivation will always be a factor in achieving preparedness. Promoting an intent to attend and succeed at college can begin long before high school. The state of Texas provides an example, exposing the value and opportunity afforded by college to students even at the elementary level.
Students from low-income families often feel that they won't have the opportunity to attend college. This is a discouraging factor that can be countered if schools can offer financial aid and scholarship assistance. Schools can provide some funds through local contributions, but more importantly they can take an active role in helping families successfully navigate the financial aid application process. Involved counselors can help make students aware of scholarship and grant opportunities and encourage students to pursue them. With the realization that college is financially possible, students have more motivation to apply themselves toward getting there.
It isn't unusual for students to already have clear career interests by the time they have reached high school. Some schools are providing focused "career academies" within their schools. These academies represent curricula selected to support success by providing more rigorous classes and electives in the area of student interest, while still offering a foundation in the core curriculum. Common programs may include STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), health and business, with many other possibilities available.
Life skills
Beyond academics, college also places demands on students that they have never encountered before. There is a high level of personal responsibility and self-discipline required of the college student not typically found in high school. Students who have had experience with budgeting, time-management and meeting deadlines will be faced with less stress and distraction from the logistics of higher education and can focus more on their studies. Similarly, computer usage is an integral part of a modern college education, so high schools that have provided a solid grounding in office and Internet applications will set the stage for success.
Conclusion
These represent only a few of the available tools to prepare students for higher education. General themes are that students need to be challenged, motivated and given the tools they need to succeed. Properly prepared, higher education need not be fearsome for any student.
