Seamless Pathways: Bridging the Gap between High School and Postsecondary. Updated February 2017
Author: Tennessee Department of Education
Date: 2017-02-00
Type: Reports - Evaluative
Subjects: High School Graduates,High School Students,Postsecondary Education,Barriers,Access to Education,Focus Groups,College Readiness,Career Readiness,Graduation Requirements,Second Language Instruction,Required Courses,Intervention,Student Needs,School Counselors,Counselor Role,School Counseling

The majority of Tennessee ninth graders graduate from high school, but far fewer make the leap to postsecondary education. Recently launched statewide initiatives have fundamentally shifted the educational landscape, substantially reducing barriers to postsecondary access. The state now stands at the cusp of a historical transformation where it can make postsecondary success the norm rather than the exception. In focus groups with 170 high school students from 33 schools, students described the challenges they face in identifying pathways to take them from high school to postsecondary and careers. Additional analyses using Tennessee data confirm the stories told by students. This document updates a statement made on page 13 of the original edition of this report that one-third of all high school graduates are not completing all course requirements, which has received considerable attention since the report's January release. While the number accurately reflected the statewide course data that were available, the framing did not do enough to convey the extent to which districts and schools have been and are working to meet state policy on graduation requirements. In reaction to the report, there have been questions around whether Tennessee districts were systematically violating graduation requirements. The Tennessee Department of Education vigorously maintains that this is not the case. Following a period of further data review with districts, the department offers more detailed clarifications in this update around the graduation requirement data point. The issues uncovered following further data review can be separated into three categories and are explained in detail in this update. The categories are: (1) Incorrect course entry into the Education Information System; (2) Foreign Language and Fine Arts waivers; and (3) Course substitution misunderstandings and/or genuine missed courses. Based on evidence presented in this report, the Tennessee Department of Education offers four recommendations that districts and schools can employ to help students take advantage of postsecondary opportunities in the state: (1) Foster collective responsibility among middle and high school faculty and staff for the postsecondary preparedness of their students; (2) Communicate with students about their postsecondary and career options early and often; (3) Ensure all students have equitable access to course opportunities to increase postsecondary readiness and success; and (4) Leverage external partnerships and resources for added capacity, expertise, and influence. [This report was written by the Tennessee Department of Education's Office of Research and Strategy and designed by Brad Walker.]