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College Readiness

Background

Education policy scholar Dr. David Conley defines college readiness as the level of preparation a student needs to enroll and succeed - without remediation - in a postsecondary institution. College readiness requires more than academic preparation, as measured by high school grades and college admission test scores. It also requires time management skills and good study habits, as well as the ability to access and navigate the higher education environment.

The Dallas ISD's College Readiness Survey, administered for the first time in the spring of 2011, asked students to assess themselves across three research-based dimensions related to college and career readiness: key cognitive strategies, academic behaviors, and college knowledge.

Key Cognitive Strategies enable students to learn, understand, and apply knowledge from a range of academic disciplines. Examples include conducting research, analyzing and interpreting conflicting information, and constructing reasoned arguments. Entry-level college courses have these and other cognitive strategies embedded in them; therefore, it is essential that high school students develop these abilities for postsecondary success.

Academic Behaviors refer to a range of behaviors and attitudes necessary for academic success. These include time management skills and study habits.

College Knowledge refers to an understanding of higher education systems and culture. This includes knowing how and when to apply for admission, what materials and admissions tests are required, and how to complete a financial aid application. Sources of college knowledge include students' families and schools.

Combinations of individual items in the College Readiness Survey created a series of index measures related to these dimensions of college readiness. The measures include key cognitive strategies for English/language arts, mathematics, and science; time management and study habits; student perception of academic rigor; college knowledge - family support; and college knowledge - school support. Scale scores for each of these measures range from a low of zero to a high of 40. In addition, campus users can export data of individual student responses.

Survey Guide