CCIndicator-CollegeAdmissionExams

Measures for a College and Career Readiness Indicator: College Admission Exams

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This white paper considers college admission exams—specifically the SAT® and ACT®—as potential measures to be included in California’s college and career indicator. This white paper begins by presenting a brief overview of the two exams, their respective histories, and their current applications to other state accountability systems. Next, the SAT and ACT are evaluated against the framework being used for all five categories of potential college and career preparedness measures. This white paper concludes with a summary that identifies major strengths, weaknesses, and tradeoffs.

A Complete Definition of College and Career Readiness

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A student who is ready for college and career can qualify for and succeed in entry-level, credit- bearing college courses leading to a baccalaureate or certificate, or career pathway-oriented training programs, without the need for remedial or developmental coursework. However, not every student requires the same proficiency in all areas. A student’s interests and post-high school aspirations influence the precise knowledge and skill profiles necessary to be ready for postsecondary studies.

Reaching the Goal: The Applicability and Importance of the Common Core State Standards to College and Career Readiness

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The CCSS gave states an opportunity to voluntarily adopt common expectations in English language arts and literacy, and mathematics. With common standards in place, states could more easily and efficiently share best practices in curriculum and assessments, while still retaining flexibility on how best to teach these subjects locally (Phillips & Wong, 2010). Major questions remain to be answered about these standards, chief among them the degree to which they reflect what is necessary to be ready for college and careers.