Review
“From High School to College reports on research findings that are changing the national policy conversation about higher education accessibility and quality. Michael Kirst, Andrea Venezia and their colleagues examine the disjunctures between schools and colleges and the corrosive consequences for student learning and educational attainment. This study offers a critical examination of current policies and practices and a challenging but achievable agenda for change.”
--Patrick Callan, President, National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education

“This book offers valuable insights for those contemplating or engaged in K-16 reform. The strategies for aligning higher education and secondary schools have proven successful in bringing about positive outcomes in the six project states. The compendium of research findings from multiple projects provides relevant and proven data that will assist others in designing and implementing successful K-16 reforms.”
--Gerald N. Tirozzi, executive director, National Association of Secondary School Principals

“Using six years of national research and a focus on the colleges that serve 800f all undergraduates, this talented group of scholars informs and propels us to take action on the policies, perceptions, and practices of college admissions, college course placement, and state-level policies. This book is required reading for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars concerned with improving college access, college retention, and educational efficacy.”
--Patricia M. McDonough, associate professor, Higher Education & Organizational Change, Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, University of California at Los Angeles

“This impressively researched and readable volume is a singularly important and timely contribution to understanding the growing significance of efforts to bridge the chasm that exists between K-12 and postsecondary education. It is a must read for all concerned with the development of more coherent and effective educational policy.”
--Michael D. Usdan, senior fellow, The Institute for Educational Leadership

Book Description
In From High School to College educational policy experts Michael W. Kirst, Andrea Venezia, and their contributors reveal why so many students are entering college unprepared for college level work and often unable to complete a degree.  This important book presents the findings of the Bridge Project¾a major national research study conducted by Stanford University and funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the U.S. Department of Education. The researchers examined the fit between what high schools were doing to prepare students for college admissions and course work, and what colleges considered when admitting and placing incoming freshman. Based on hundreds of interviews with teachers and counselors, thousands of surveys with students and parents, and a thorough examination of the policies and practices in California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, and Texas,  From High School to College offers recommendations for bridging the gap between high school and college and for improving college admission and graduation rates.

 

From the Inside Flap
A college degree has become a minimum requirement for the best jobs, and most high school students aspire to attend college. Yet despite the demand in the labor market for educated workers, many institutions of higher education are reporting that degree completion is at an all-time low. In From High School to College educational policy experts Michael W. Kirst, Andrea Venezia, and their contributors reveal why so many students are entering college unprepared for college-level work and often unable to complete a degree. This important book presents the findings of the Bridge Project–a major national research study conducted by Stanford University and funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the U.S. Department of Education. The researchers examined the fit between what high schools were doing to prepare students for college admissions and course work and what colleges considered when admitting and placing incoming freshmen. Based on hundreds of interviews with teachers and counselors, thousands of surveys with students and parents, and a thorough examination of the policies and practices in California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, and Texas, From High School to College offers recommendations for bridging the gap between high school and college and for improving college admission and graduation rates. The editors believe that K—12 and postsecondary education systems should be better integrated so that information could flow more freely and, consequently, students, teachers, parents, and counselors would have better information about the academic expectations of students entering college. From High School to College also contains recommendations in assessment and curriculum development, teacher training, and policies that would enhance the opportunities for all students to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

From the Back Cover
Praise for From High School to College "From High School to College reports on research findings that are changing the national policy conversation about higher education accessibility and quality. Michael Kirst, Andrea Venezia and their colleagues examine the disjunctures between schools and colleges and the corrosive consequences for student learning and educational attainment. This study offers a critical examination of current policies and practices and a challenging but achievable agenda for change." –Patrick Callan, President, National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education "This book offers valuable insights for those contemplating or engaged in K—16 reform. The strategies for aligning higher education and secondary schools have proven successful in bringing about positive outcomes in the six project states. The compendium of research findings from multiple projects provides relevant and proven data that will assist others in designing and implementing successful K—16 reforms." –Gerald N. Tirozzi, executive director, National Association of Secondary School Principals "Using six years of national research and a focus on the colleges that serve 800f all undergraduates, this talented group of scholars informs and propels us to take action on the policies, perceptions, and practices of college admissions, college course placement, and state-level policies. This book is required reading for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars concerned with improving college access, college retention, and educational efficacy." –Patricia M. McDonough, associate professor, Higher Education & Organizational Change, Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, University of California at Los Angeles "This impressively researched and readable volume is a singularly important and timely contribution to understanding the growing significance of efforts to bridge the chasm that exists between K—12 and postsecondary education. It is a must read for all concerned with the development of more coherent and effective educational policy." –Michael D. Usdan, senior fellow, The Institute for Educational Leadership

About the Author
Michael W. Kirst is professor of education and business administration at Stanford University. He is a prolific author and the co-director of Policy Analysis for California Education, a California state education policy research group funded by the Hewlett Foundation. He is a member of the management and research staff of the Consortium for Policy Research in Education. Andrea Venezia is Senior Policy Consultant and Project Director at the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education. Prior to joining the National Center, she directed K—16 projects in the Stanford Institute for Higher Education, including the Bridge Project.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A college degree has become a minimum requirement for the best jobs, and most high school students aspire to attend college. Yet despite the demand in the labor market for educated workers, many institutions of higher education are reporting that degree completion is at an all-time low. In From High School to College educational policy experts Michael W. Kirst, Andrea Venezia, and their contributors reveal why so many students are entering college unprepared for college-level work and often unable to complete a degree. This important book presents the findings of the Bridge Project -- a major national research study conducted by Stanford University and funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the U.S. Department of Education. The researchers examined the fit between what high schools were doing to prepare students for college admissions and course work and what colleges considered when admitting and placing incoming freshmen. Based on hundreds of interviews with teachers and counselors, thousands of surveys with students and parents, and a thorough examination of the policies and practices in California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, and Texas, From High School to College offers recommendations for bridging the gap between high school and college and for improving college admission and graduation rates. The editors believe that K-12 and postsecondary education systems should be better integrated so that information could flow more freely and, consequently, students, teachers, parents, and counselors would have better information about the academic expectations of students entering college. From High School to College also contains recommendations in assessment and curriculum development, teacher training, and policies that would enhance the opportunities for all students to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

SYNOPSIS

Praise for From High School to College

"From High School to College reports on research findings that are changing the national policy conversation about higher education accessibility and quality. Michael Kirst, Andrea Venezia and their colleagues examine the disjunctures between schools and colleges and the corrosive consequences for student learning and educational attainment. This study offers a critical examination of current policies and practices and a challenging but achievable agenda for change." —Patrick Callan, President, National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education

"This book offers valuable insights for those contemplating or engaged in K—16 reform. The strategies for aligning higher education and secondary schools have proven successful in bringing about positive outcomes in the six project states. The compendium of research findings from multiple projects provides relevant and proven data that will assist others in designing and implementing successful K—16 reforms." —Gerald N. Tirozzi, executive director, National Association of Secondary School Principals

"Using six years of national research and a focus on the colleges that serve 80% of all undergraduates, this talented group of scholars informs and propels us to take action on the policies, perceptions, and practices of college admissions, college course placement, and state-level policies. This book is required reading for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars concerned with improving college access, college retention, and educational efficacy." —Patricia M. McDonough, associate professor, Higher Education &Organizational Change, Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, University of California at Los Angeles