Harder high school courses mean higher chances for long-term success

There’s even more proof that academic rigor is key to helping high school students excel in their postsecondary endeavors. A new report published by the American Educational Research Journal found a strong connection between the quality and type of classes students took in 10th grade and their test scores, graduation and college enrollment rates.

Looking at the progress of Florida public school students, the research found that the connection between rigorous courses and higher grades and other academic successes is strongest when the classes are taken in 9th and 10th grades. This was seen in students taking high-level courses in either math, science, English, social studies or a foreign language. According to the report, students who took rigorous classes in those subjects were 2 percent to 4 percent more likely to attend a two-year college. Students who took high-level classes in those five subjects were also 7 percent to 9 percent more likely to enroll in a four-year college.

The report found that the heightened chances of success that come with taking advanced placement or other high-level courses were even more evident among low-income and minority youths.

“The authors find substantial significant differences in outcomes for those who take rigorous courses, and these estimated effects are often larger for disadvantaged youth and students attending disadvantaged schools,” explains the article’s abstract.

The journal’s report concluded that offering students advanced-level courses, and ensuring that they can be successful in those classes, is an important element to a successful high school curriculum. Students should take rigorous courses across various subjects, according to the report. The article also pointed out that the offering of numerous high-level courses is an effective way to help low-income and disadvantaged students improve their academic and future life outcomes. The report’s authors suggest that schools gently transition students from taking non-rigorous courses to taking more demanding classes as a means to ease students into the harder academic work, instead of overburdening them and reducing their chances of doing well.