Ready or Not? An Analysis of College and Career Readiness Emphasis in Every Student Succeeds Act State Plans

• In Event: Accountability and Assessment Policy: Exploring History and Impact

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which college and career readiness (CCR) is emphasized in ESSA state accountability plans. We employed Critical Policy Analysis to analyze 52 plans (50 states, DC, Puerto Rico), applying equity frameworks developed by Cook-Harvey et al. (2016) and Dowd and Bensimon (2015). Findings disclose significant variation, with CCR featuring prominently in some plans and receiving cursory mention in others. Most states have identified CCR components as part of their school quality or student success indicators. However, few have used ESSA to restructure their state initiatives to address persistent inequities. Even those states making CCR a central feature typically apply colorblind approaches, addressing CCR for all students rather than focusing on improving performance for student subgroups.

Authors

• Donald G. Hackmann, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Joel R Malin, Miami University - Oxford

• Debra D. Bragg, University of Washington - Seattle