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Hello and welcome to the All4Ed Flash, where we are cutting through the noise to bring you the latest in education policy news. I’m Enrique Chaurand.
Today, we are discussing college and career pathways and a new report that All4Ed co-authored with Ed Trust titled ‘A Vision for Equitable Pathways: Enhancing Support and Innovation in College and Career Counseling.’
In a rapidly changing workforce driven by automation and globalization, young Americans need advanced skills to succeed. Yet, too many students, especially Black and Latino students and those from low-income backgrounds, lack access to the college readiness and career exploration programs essential for their success.
Every student deserves access to college and career opportunities, starting with guided support throughout their K-12 journey.
An essential support often missing is a dedicated Pathways Navigator, as highlighted in this new report by the authors Rebeca Shackleford, Director of Federal Government Relations, and Dr. Kristen Hengtgen, Policy Lead at Ed Trust.
In their report, Shackleford and Hengtgen outline that the Pathways Navigator’s sole job would be to provide personalized college and career exploration support, distinct from the school counselor’s role.
School counselors are already stretched too thin and juggle numerous demands, supporting students’ academic journeys and mental well-being.
“Too often, high-quality college and career opportunities are shrouded in a word-of-mouth system that excludes many students. A dedicated Pathways Navigator can provide the individualized support that many well-resourced districts already offer, ensuring traditionally underserved students have access to postsecondary pathways,” said report co-author Dr. Hengtgen.
An ideal Pathways system offers students a clear understanding of their post-high school opportunities, with early outreach, regular touchpoints, and dedicated high school support.
The report highlights five key elements of an ideal pathways system to include:
1. Clear Choices: Students have a clear understanding of their options.
2. Start Smart: Students and families understand available paths before entering high school.
3. Access for All: Information is accessible and provided in multiple formats and languages.
4. Guided Beginnings: Students explore options through regular, early high school touchpoints.
5. Final Prep: Staff provide dedicated and targeted support for 11th and 12th graders.
Improving post-high school pathways is crucial for workforce competitiveness and educational equity.
However, students from low-income backgrounds, multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and justice-impacted students face additional barriers to accessing these opportunities.
The federal government can support improved Pathways through legislation and grant programs, ensuring all students have access to dedicated Pathways Navigators.
Rebeca Shackleford, co-author of the report said, “Many states are making efforts to improve college and career readiness, however there are significant disparities in the quality and availability of support. This is why it’s crucial for the federal government to lead and ensure all students have access to dedicated Pathways Navigators. Federal support can bridge the gaps and provide consistent, equitable opportunities for all students, no matter their background or zip code.”
To read or download the report, visit www.all4ed.org/policy/pathways.
Together, we can ensure every student has the support they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy.
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