Academic Opportunities in K–12: The Increasing Complexity of College Pathways

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Nine
  In Roundtable Session: Constructing Equitable Access to Complex High School and College Pathways (Table 6)

Abstract

As degree attainment lags behind postsecondary enrollment, efforts to strengthen the pathway between highschool and college often focus on academic preparation. To support this, California has increased the diversity of potential pathways to college; however, this increase may not apply equally across schools and students. Drawing on individual-level datasets from the California Department of Education and higher education, this study investigates the variation in academic opportunities and enrollment patterns. Results illuminate important patterns about the access students have to a critical sequence of courses that supports their readiness and college eligibility. However, this work also exposes the roadblocks students face in the absence of opportunity. As admissions policies shift, understanding preparation through course access is essential to educational equity.

Authors

• Alexandria M. Hurtt, University of California - Davis
  Presenting Author

• Michal Kurlaender, University of California - Davis
  Presenting Author

• Sherrie Reed, University of California - Davis
  Presenting Author