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School and district leaders today are navigating a constant state of change—shifting graduation requirements, evolving labor market demands, and unpredictable after-high school program admissions criteria. It’s no longer enough to have a strong plan; you need a system that can flex, adapt, and grow with you. But too often, school improvement efforts stall because data…
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In every school district, the mission is clear: to guide students toward a future full of opportunity. Yet, middle school is a critical turning point where students either build momentum for success or fall behind. The challenge? Ensuring that every student has access to the right academic pathways, career exploration, and support systems to thrive.…
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Every student’s college goals are anchored to their future career. The purpose of college is to lead to a career that aligns with a student’s values and priorities. Yet, in secondary education, career readiness is often treated as secondary to college preparation. Student survey data overwhelmingly shows that students want to understand why they should…
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What data should you focus on to see rea l college success outcomes for your students?
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Graduation requirements can feel like a bureaucratic maze of red tape. Students think they’re on track, only to realize too late that a course didn’t count. Meanwhile, schools struggle to ensure every student has access to the right classes to graduate and to meet admissions requirements. District staff are often so far removed they don’t…
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Let’s be real—preparing students for life after high school isn’t just about checking the right boxes. The world of work is evolving fast, and today’s students need more than a diploma to succeed. That’s where a Comprehensive School Counseling Program (CSCP) comes in, specifically the career domain—helping students figure out what’s next and actually be…
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In today’s rapidly evolving world, providing students with the tools for career readiness is more crucial than ever. At Next Step Educational Consulting, we believe that every student deserves access to the opportunities that will pave their way to success, and we want to share insights that can help you transform your school into a…
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Do you wonder why your students still aren’t accessing advanced courses? As an educational leader, you know that effective master scheduling is pivotal to student success. However, many scheduling practices lack the data-driven insights needed to optimize learning experiences and resources. Here are three steps that provides a roadmap to revolutionize your school’s master schedule…
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Unlocking the doors to higher education can feel daunting for bilingual students. From navigating language barriers to understanding financial aid options, the challenges can pile up, creating obstacles that may seem insurmountable. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Here we explore four critical barriers bilingual students face on their journey to college and…
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Creating a culture of Career and College Readiness (CCR) for your students begins with leadership. Before you can guide your students toward success, you need to support and empower your staff first. If staff members don’t have the tools, training, or support they need, they can’t effectively teach and guide students in reaching their post-graduation…