At EPIC, we have made it our mission to first understand what knowledge, skills, and abilities students must possess to be successful in postsecondary education or training that will lead to productive careers, and second, to develop systems to support educators in achieving this student- and work-centered goal. We aim to create systems that will make college and career readiness actionable in schools, preparing students not just for college readiness, but also for life’s many transitions. That’s why we stand behind educators who are using alignment strategies to bridge the divide between K-12 and higher education.
To date, seventeen states have submitted their ESSA plans to the US Department of Education, and many are clearly using ESSA as an opportunity to increase collaboration that will support more seamless student transitions from high school to higher education. The expected result? A strong and prepared workforce as the equity gap closes and talent supply chains are strengthened.
Whether it’s aligning the knowledge and skills taught in high school with those expected in local community college CTE programs and local industry, as Merced Union High School District has done, or more globally aligning K-12 and higher education goals using indicators beyond assessments, it is EPIC’s honor to be working with schools that have the cultural capacity and commitment to change, to improving systems, and to keeping eyes on the prize: every student prepared to pursue their passion, interests, and aspirations.
For more information about states that are doubling down on alignment for student success, please see this June 2017 report from Higher Ed for Higher Standards.
