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.
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
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
Middle School Tracking Template
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Prepare Students Academically > See How It Works
This template helps middle school students develop the skills they need to succeed in a rigorous high school curriculum. Watch the video, Preparing Students for Rigorous Work, which explains...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Student Advisory Surveys
Increasing Postsecondary Access > States and Districts
Faculty in Albuquerque Public Schools collect student responses to these surveys annually to help tailor their support for students as part of the Student Advisory Program. The findings may also be...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Advisory FAQs and Rubrics
Increasing Postsecondary Access > States and Districts
Albuquerque Public Schools developed these documents to help communicate the purpose and structure of the Student Advisory Program to students and parents. The FAQs provide guidance to commonly...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Next Step Plans
Increasing Postsecondary Access > States and Districts
Beginning in middle school, Albuquerque Public Schools students complete a Next Step Plan which details their academic plans and postsecondary goals. Offered in both English and Spanish, these...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Data Collection and Goal-Setting Tool
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assess and Intervene > See How It Works, Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > See How It Works, Increasing Postsecondary Access > States and Districts
This tool is used by Chicago school district administrators to help schools set goals and collect data to support college access. Hear more about how Chicago prepares their students for college in...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Learning Together: Academic Preparation for College
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Prepare Students Academically > Overview & Tools
This tool is designed for school groups to learn together about preparing students for college-level work. The activities are designed to provide an introduction to the research-based...
Resource Type
Tool
Teacher Self-Assessment: Rigor in the Classroom
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Prepare Students Academically > Overview & Tools
Teachers, or technical assistance providers who work with teachers, are encouraged to use this tool to reflect upon and increase the level of rigor in their classroom. Related Media and...
Resource Type
Tool
Self-Assessment: Are You Fostering College-Going Aspirations?
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Foster College Aspirations > Overview & Tools
This tool is designed to help district and school leaders assess their processes for fostering college aspirations. The tool provides questions that highlight specific actions towards building a...
Resource Type
Tool
Planning Tool: Fostering College-Going Aspirations
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Foster College Aspirations > Overview & Tools
Administrators can use this tool to refine the school’s approach to fostering college aspirations. This planner can help administrators identify new activities, steps for implementation, a...
Resource Type
Tool
Learning Together: Fostering College Aspirations
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Foster College Aspirations > Overview & Tools
Professional development and technical assistance providers can use this tool to provide training to school and district personnel. This training can help participants develop an understanding of...
Resource Type
Tool
