Course Access | L C F F P R I O R I TY 7 What Is Course Access? Course access is defined as ensuring all students have access to classes that prepare them for college and career, regardless of the school they attend or where they live.
What Parents Need To Know • A rigorous high school core curriculum must teach students the essential knowledge and skills needed for success in post-secondary education. This includes being wellprepared for college and career. • Students must take high-level courses in high school, including advanced mathematics, laboratory science, and a world language. Completion of a rigorous academic program in high school is especially beneficial for African American and Latino students in terms of increased college attendance and higher education completion rates. (Pathways to College Network, 2009). • In the State of California, a rigorous curriculum means access to—at a minimum—access to completing a college preparatory A-G course required by colleges and universities.
Why Is Course Access Important? Education cutbacks have forced high schools to provide students less time and attention, and fewer quality programs. As a result, outcomes for student engagement and student progress toward graduation and college are suffering, further widening the inequality gap across and within schools.
CON DI T I ON S F OR L EAR NI NG
C O N DIT IO N S F OR L EAR NI N G :
Few students graduate with the college-ready coursework needed to access our state’s public university system. This is especially true for low-income students and students of color, who are also disproportionately tracked into less rigorous “career education” courses. (Education Trust West, 2011)
What Parents Can Ask Their District During The LCAP Process 1. What is the district doing to expand access to college preparatory A-G courses? 2. How is the district supporting students to ensure they succeed in these courses? 3. How are parents being informed of the importance of completing and succeeding in A-G courses?
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