Definition of College and Career Readiness

Definition of College and Career Readiness:   

Students who are ready for college and career can qualify for and succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing college courses leading to a baccalaureate degree, a certificate, or a career pathway-oriented training program without the need for remedial or developmental coursework.

Getting Ready for College, Careers, and the Common Core; Conley, 2014

What is “COLLEGE” ready?

College today means much more than just pursing a four- year degree at a university. Being “college-ready” means being prepared for any postsecondary experience, including study at two- and four-year institutions leading to a postsecondary credential (i.e. a certificate, license, Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree). Being academically ready for college means that a high school graduate has the English and mathematics knowledge and skills necessary to qualify for and succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing college coursework without the need for remedial coursework. 

What is “CAREER” ready?

In today’s economy, a “career” is not just a job. A career provides a family-sustaining wage and pathways to advancement and nearly always requires postsecondary training or education. Being ready for a career means that a high school graduate has the English and math knowledge and skills needed to qualify for and succeed in the postsecondary job training and/or education necessary for their chosen career (i.e. technical/vocational program, community college, apprenticeship or significant on-the-job training).