Twelfth place is not where the United States wants to be in the proportion of adults ages 25-34 with college degrees, compared with other industrialized nations. But that’s where we are. If we are going to reach President Obama’s goal to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020, education leaders and policymakers need some help.
Last week, a report by Grantmakers for Education highlighted barriers and best practices on campuses.
Now, the College Board Advocacy & Policy Center has unveiled free new resources online. The College Completion Agenda 2010 Progress Report proposes 10 recommendations to boost graduation rates, from expanding preschool programs to improved college counseling. It’s the state level where much of the action will likely take place, so the College Board has produced a policy guide for state legislators. To check out your state’s progress, go to the interactive feature on the College Board website that shows how your state is performing on the 10 indicators.
States are eager for guidance, and these resources are sure to be used as policymakers try to craft the best approach to getting college diplomas in the hands of more Americans.