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What is the current status of college and career readiness in the United States?

Deion Kirkbride

Well, currently in the United States, the status of college and career readiness is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, we've seen significant progress in recent years, but on the other, there is still much work to be done in terms of ensuring that all students are prepared for success after high school.

One of the most positive developments has been an increase in high school graduation rates. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the overall graduation rate has risen from 79% in 2010 to 85% in 2019. This is definitely a step in the right direction, as completing high school is often seen as a critical first step toward college and career readiness.

However, there are still persistent gaps in graduation rates that need to be addressed. For example, while the graduation rate for white students in 2019 was 88%, it was just 78% for black students and 76% for Hispanic students. Similarly, students from low-income families and those with disabilities are less likely to graduate from high school than their more affluent or able-bodied peers.

Another area where progress has been made is in increasing access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses. According to the College Board, the number of students taking AP exams in the U.S. has more than doubled in the past 15 years. This is significant because research has shown that taking rigorous courses such as AP courses can better prepare students for success in college and beyond.

However, again, we see disparities in access to and performance in AP courses. Students from low-income families, those attending schools in rural areas, and students of color are less likely to enroll in and pass AP courses and exams than other students. This means that despite increases in overall participation, certain groups of students are still being left behind.

Finally, when it comes to college and career readiness, we cannot ignore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As schools across the country closed their doors and shifted to remote learning, many students faced significant disruptions to their education. This has raised concerns about whether some students will be adequately prepared for college or the workforce when they graduate.

All of this is to say that while we have made some progress in improving college and career readiness in the United States, it is clear that there is still much work to be done. We must continue to strive for equity in graduation rates, access to rigorous coursework, and support for all students in the face of significant challenges. The future success of our students, our communities, and our country depends on it.