Helping Students Navigate the Path to College: What High Schools Can Do This Practice Guide offers educators, administrators, and policymakers five research-based practice recommendations designed to increase postsecondary access, particularly for underserved, low-income, or first-generation college-going students. Each recommendation includes a summary of the research evidence and a level of evidence rating. Developed by an expert panel convened by the Institute of Education Sciences, the Practice Guide is the foundation for all the Doing What Works content on increasing postsecondary access. For the purposes of this website, the five recommendations have been condensed into four practices.
Multimedia Overview Helping Students Navigate the Path to College
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 for college entry. (7:54 min)Explore these recommended practices:
- <<Prepare Students Academically
Prepare all students for college-level work and ensure they understand college-readiness standards. - <<Assess and Intervene
Use assessment measures to inform students about their college readiness and close identified gaps. - <<Foster College Aspirations
Surround students with adults and peers who support their college-going aspirations. - <<Assist With College Entry
Help students and families understand and complete steps for college entry and financial aid.
Visual Diagram Helping Students Navigate the Path to College
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 the recommendations in the Practice Guide, Helping Students Navigate the Path to College.Expert Interview
Increasing Postsecondary Access: Key Recommendations From the IES Practice Guide
William G. Tierney, Ph.D.University of Southern California
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 implementing them. (5:46 min)