How Will We Know When They're Ready? Critically Examining State College and Career Readiness Definitions

• In Event: Exploring the Role and Impact of State- and System-Level Policies

Abstract

Improving college and career readiness (CCR) has received increased attention in United States education policy in recent years (Dougherty & Lombardi, 2016) with states developing CCR standards and aligning educational systems to meet those standards (Conley, 2014; Malin et al., 2017). Yet, critical scholars raise key concerns regarding the readiness agenda’s focus on workforce needs and the knowledge economy. Using a critical discourse analysis, we examine state CCR definitions to better understand how states are defining CCR, what those definitions emphasize, and what discourse is associated with those definitions. We find that states heavily emphasize skills and center workforce needs, raising questions about the purpose of schooling and the role of schools in reproducing inequities.

Authors

• Latrice Marianno, University of Delaware
  Presenting Author

• Michelle Bailey, University of Delaware
  Presenting Author