Increasing Postsecondary Access
Explore resources designed to help educators to support students successfully navigate the path to college. 
- View a visual diagram of all five practices
- Watch a topic overview and download planning templates
- Listen to an expert
Explore the subtopics below to learn more about the recommended practices:
- Prepare Students Academically
- Assess and Intervene
- Foster College Aspirations
- Assist with College Entry
To learn more about the research underlying these practices, view the IES Practice Guide, Helping Students Navigate the Path to College: What High Schools Can Do.
Setting Your Direction
Increasing Postsecondary Access > States and Districts
All middle and high school students in Albuquerque Public Schools develop Next Step Plans and participate in student-led conferences to set the direction for their postsecondary plans. Listen to a...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Student Advisories: Taking Ownership
Increasing Postsecondary Access > States and Districts
Learn more about the Albuquerque Public Schools Student Advisory Program for grades 6 to 12 in the district. This program promotes deeper and more personal connections between students and faculty...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Increasing Postsecondary Access: Key Recommendations From the IES Practice Guide
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Overview & Tools
Dr. William G. Tierney, chair of the IES panel that developed the Practice Guide, Helping Students Navigate the Path to College, explains its recommended practices and offers considerations for...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Visual Diagram: Helping Students Navigate the Path to College
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Overview & Tools
This diagram illustrates four research-based practices recommended for increasing postsecondary access for all students. Technical assistance providers can use the diagram to give an overview of...
Resource Type
Visual Diagram
Preparing Students for Rigorous Work
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Prepare Students Academically > See How It Works
A middle school math teacher describes the strategies her school uses to prepare students for a rigorous high school program. She describes the mathematics assignment in the sample material,...
Resource Type
School Example
Placing Value on Doing Well Academically
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Prepare Students Academically > See How It Works
A principal talks about the school's focus on academics. All students are expected to take challenging courses and go to college. The sample material, Graduation Notification/Agreement and...
Resource Type
School Example
Getting Students to Think for Themselves
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Prepare Students Academically > See How It Works
An English teacher illustrates the ways that his high school incorporates rigor into its curriculum. The sample materials, One High School's Reading List and Using Literature Circles for Reading...
Resource Type
School Example
Overcoming Fears Around Paying for College
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > See How It Works
This school coordinator discusses strategies for conducting activities to help students and their families prepare for the financial aspects of college. Workshops help students know how to apply...
Resource Type
School Example
Graduation Notification/Agreement and Notification for Not Meeting Requirements
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Prepare Students Academically > See How It Works
See how counselors document each student to ensure they are on track for graduation and communicate with parents. The interview, Placing Value on Doing Well Academically, emphasizes the school's...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Algebra Investigation
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Prepare Students Academically > See How It Works
This assignment asks students to utilize their own problem solving and logic skills to determine the Pythagorean Theorem using paper cutouts. The video, Preparing Students for Rigorous Work,...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Using Literature Circles for Reading Comprehension
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Prepare Students Academically > See How It Works
Literature circles help students engage in deep discussions about reading assignments in the classroom. The video, Getting Students to Think for Themselves, describes this and other strategies used...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Research Review Assignment
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Prepare Students Academically > See How It Works
As a major component of instruction, teachers at University Park Campus School (UPCS) purposefully create assignments that require students to think critically. The video, Getting Students to Think...
Resource Type
Sample Material
