The Ramp-Up to Readiness Vision:
From Readiness for Some to Readiness for All.
The Old Paradigm:
College Prep for Some
- College is often mentioned as a destination after high school, but not in a clear or coordinated way.
- Students are focused on doing what it takes to get in to college.
- Many students choose courses with no clear destination after high school in mind.
- Intelligence is seen as a fixed commodity that defines what a student will be able to do in his or her academic and professional life.
- Negative peer attitudes and influences often discourage students from pursuing postsecondary dreams.
- Families and community organizations lack a clear and effective way to work with schools to enhance college readiness.
- When students encounter important academic questions and problems, they may or may not seek and find the help they need to resolve them.
- Counselors and teachers must find and/or create their own materials to help students prepare for postsecondary education.
- Planning to pay for postsecondary education is seen as the family’s and/or the student’s responsibility.
- Technology is used peripherally, if at all.
- Many students experience a “senior slump” during their final year of high school.
- Only some students are seen as “college material” and only some schools are organized as “prep schools” .
The New Paradigm: Postsecondary Preparation for All
- A sequence of understandable and actionable milestones systematically builds students’ “college knowledge” as they progress through junior and senior high.
- Students are focused on what it takes to get in to college and to succeed once they get there.
- Students choose courses, extracurricular activities and other experiences based upon Postsecondary Plans that are regularly reviewed and updated.
- Intelligence is viewed as a quality that can, like a muscle being exercised, be continually increased over time.
- Positive peer groups convene in school and over the Web to support students’ progress through challenging classes and life experiences.
- Families, mentors and community organizations align their efforts with the milestones outlined in the Ramp-Up to Readiness Steps.
- Through the research-based Check & Connect process, a caring adult regularly helps students monitor progress, make decisions and strengthen motivation.
- A high-quality curriculum is available and is continually enhanced and expanded by users across the state.
- Financial planning steps are included throughout the program.
- The entire program is infused with technology, from Web-based Postsecondary Plans to the open source Ramp-Up Curriculum to on-line social networks for students and staff.
- Students maintain their academic momentum through senior year and start postsecondary education ready for success the following fall.
- All students are expected to succeed in postsecondary education and schools are intentionally organized to help them reach that goal.