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 Assessments and Interventions to Prepare Students for College
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assess and Intervene > Overview & Tools
This multimedia overview outlines how schools can identify college-readiness measures, inform families about students' progress, and assist students in getting on track for college.
Resource Type
Overview
Academic Preparation for College
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Prepare Students Academically > Overview & Tools
This multimedia overview outlines how schools can prepare students for the academic challenges of college.
Resource Type
Overview
Inspiring Students to Attend College
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Foster College Aspirations > Overview & Tools
This overview provides examples of ways schools can foster and grow students' college-going aspirations beginning as early as middle school. Carefully designed mentoring programs connect students...
Resource Type
Overview
Assisting Students With College Entry
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > Overview & Tools
It's important for high schools to provide support for all aspects of the college and financial aid application processes. This multimedia overview outlines ways schools can help students...
Resource Type
Overview
Helping Students Navigate the Path to College
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Overview & Tools
Experts recommend educators pay close attention to preparing students academically for two- or four-year colleges, fostering college aspirations and expectations, and assisting students with steps...
Resource Type
Overview
Completing the Steps to College Entry
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > Learn What Works
Dr. Amaury Nora discusses the importance of helping students complete the steps for college entry. Schools can support students as they prepare to take college entrance exams, decide which colleges...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Making College Aspirations Real for Students and Families
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Foster College Aspirations > Learn What Works
Dr. Patricia Gándara explains how schools can use mentorships and peer interaction to begin fostering college aspirations as early as elementary school. Schools can work with families, teachers,...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Assessing College Readiness
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assess and Intervene > Learn What Works
Watch this interview with Dr. David Conley to learn more about building a student profile of college readiness.
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Understanding How to Pay for College
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > Learn What Works
Dr. Donald E. Heller talks about three key aspects of paying for college that schools should ensure their students know: college costs, types of financial aid, and the application process. Schools,...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
A District-Level Mission to Improve College Access
Increasing Postsecondary Access > Assist with College Entry > See How It Works, Increasing Postsecondary Access > States and Districts
Listen to district administrators discuss how they support schools to improve college access by monitoring schools, meeting with school administrators on a regular basis, and helping schools use...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
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
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
