Every student’s journey to college is a story in the making—one filled with aspirations, challenges, and crucial turning points. However, schools and districts often struggle to measure the right activities and interventions that truly impact postsecondary success. By identifying key data points, we can ensure students are not just college-eligible but truly college-ready. In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what to track, why it matters, and how schools can use these insights to create real opportunities for every student. Let’s turn data into direction and unlock brighter futures together.
There is significant correlation data showing that students who take advanced coursework and complete the FAFSA are more likely to enroll in college. However, correlation does not equal preparation. Research-based predictors of post-school success highlight more practical activities that ensure students actually reach their goals.
Research-Based Interventions with Direct Educational Success Outcomes:
Youth Autonomy & Decision-Making
Why: Increases motivation, academic achievement, equitable outcomes, and college enrollment and completion rates.
What: Curriculum that focuses on educational planning and engagement, self-determination, individualized academic and career planning, self-directed IEPs, and transition planning.
How: Lesson outcomes, climate surveys, digital tools activity completion, IEP transition documentation.
Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Why: Increases on-time high school completion, postsecondary enrollment rates, and initial earnings.
What: Junior high/middle school CTE course participation, CTE program completion.
How: Course enrollment data, CTE program completion rates.
Advising
Why: Trained advisors who understand multiple pathways and research-informed practices support higher GPAs, increased graduation rates, and higher credential attainment.
What: Advising curriculum, professional development, district-wide advising structures.
How: Lesson outcomes, exit tickets, student surveys.
Goal Setting
Why: Leads to higher grades, improved test scores, increased motivation, and long-term success.
What: Individual academic and career planning, advisory structures, student-led conferences.
How: College persistence rates, course retakes, credit recovery participation, increased involvement in internships, workshops, and college visits.
Inclusion in General Education
Why: Students with disabilities experience better outcomes when included with their peers, such as higher engagement, increased expectations, higher employment rates, improved long-term financial stability, greater college enrollment, and increased community and civic participation.
What: Alignment of individual academic and career planning with IEP transition goals, ensuring FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) in registration and course planning.
How: Course-taking patterns, IEP transition outcomes, participation rates in internships, job shadowing, career and college field trips, and workshops.
By focusing on these key data points, schools can move beyond correlation and implement evidence-based strategies that drive real postsecondary success for all students.
Every student’s journey to college is a story, and it’s up to districts and schools to be the guide that helps them succeed. By measuring the right data points—such as youth autonomy, career technical education, advising, goal setting, and inclusion in general education—districts and schools can ensure they’re providing the tools students need to thrive. These research based practices serve as the practical steps that allow your students to reach their goals, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities. When districts create tools and track the right data, they empower schools who empower students to become the heroes of their own stories, making their college dreams a reality. Let’s turn data into direction, create clear direction, and unlock brighter futures for every student.