College, Career, and Civic Readiness

Fact Sheet: 3 Trends in K-12 Assessments Across the Country

Reforms of state assessment systems could measure student learning more accurately and effectively, providing educators the information they need to close achievement gaps.

An Overlooked Financial Aid Tool Can Help More Adults Reach College

The Ability to Benefit provision for federal financial aid is underutilized but has great potential to increase educational attainment among adults without high school diplomas.

CAP’s Comment on Accessing President Biden’s Debt Relief Plan and the Education Department’s Fresh Start Initiative

This coalition letter, led by the Center for American Progress, asks the U.S. Department of Education to work closely with the U.S. Department of Justice to distribute information about student loan debt relief to incarcerated student loan borrowers.

After We Cancel the Debt

The Future of Higher Education in a Post-Debt Cancellation United States

Now that student debt is canceled, can we address its root causes?

Jared Bass discusses what the U.S. Congress must do next to address the root causes of the student debt crisis.

Point: Canceling Student Debt Is One of Many Steps Needed to Restore the Promise of Higher Education

Jared Bass discusses why President Joe Biden’s student debt cancellation plan was a meaningful step in what should be a broader mission of upholding the promise of higher education.

3 Things to Know Now that President Biden Has Canceled At Least $10,000 in Student Debt

Student debt cancellation is a bold step for the higher education system—and one that will benefit a wide cross-section of people and communities throughout the country.

5 Things To Know About Debt Cancellation

Student debt cancellation would help people of all ages, reduce the racial wealth gap, and help borrowers weather turmoil in the student loan system.

Timeline: Federal Student Loans During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This article presents a timeline of recent events related to student loans and takes a look at what’s to come for student loan borrowers.

How To Increase Support for Youth Leaving Juvenile Detention Facilities

Students returning home from juvenile detention centers deserve support to reintegrate into their communities, especially during the pandemic.

Future of Testing in Education: Effective and Equitable Assessment Systems

This analysis of testing in schools shows what the current debate gets wrong, and how educators and policymakers can create a future where assessments are a more effective part of the teaching and learning system.

Expanding Access to Higher Education and the Promise It Holds

Marshall Anthony Jr., senior policy analyst for Higher Education at the Center for American Progress, testified on the importance of expanding access to higher education before the House Ways and Means Committee on June 29, 2021.

Congress’ Down Payment on Higher Education’s 2021 Needs

A summary of key policy changes and funding in the fiscal year 2021 omnibus budget and coronavirus relief package.

The $78 Billion Reason Why Community Colleges Need America’s Attention

Nationally, community colleges receive $78 billion less in revenue than public four-year institutions, leading to disparate outcomes among their student populations.

A First 100 Days Agenda for K-12 Education

The next presidential administration must take immediate, bold action to provide a quality education for every child.

Early High School STEM Perceptions Associated With Postsecondary Outcomes

The $78 Billion Community College Funding Shortfall

A closer look at the revenue gaps between community colleges and public four-year institutions reveals significant inequities and underscores the need for reform.

It’s Time to Worry About College Enrollment Declines Among Black Students

The past five years of public college enrollment trends show an overall decline in undergraduate enrollment; but there are distinct differences across student populations.

Preparing American Students for the Workforce of the Future

CAP is embarking on a research effort that focuses on preparing students for civic life and the workforce of the future.

The Opportunity and Counseling Corps: Helping K-12 Students and Young Adults Recover From the Coronavirus Crisis

Investing in an Opportunity and Counseling Corps would provide tutoring, counseling, and other supports to students as well as employment and skill development for young adults to help them recover from the effects of the coronavirus.

Creating Strong Building Blocks for Every Student

This report details the components needed to effectively prepare middle school students for rigorous high school pathways that will lead to success in college and careers.

Building a Strong Middle Class Through Career Pathways Programs

The United States can raise academic outcomes, lower youth unemployment, and strengthen its economy by following the leads of Germany, Singapore, and Switzerland in training their youth for in-demand jobs.

Ensuring Equitable Pathways for the Class of 2020 Amid the Coronavirus

Students, parents, schools, and districts need more explicit guidance on how to deal with high school to postsecondary pathway requirements during and in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Math Pathways

Schools, districts, and states should coordinate and prioritize investment in high-quality math pathways for students.

Advancing Racial Equity in Career and Technical Education Enrollment

By placing a focus on racial equity, CTE programs can help narrow opportunity gaps.

How Delaware Aims To Improve College Readiness

Every state serious about improving outcomes for high school and college students should replicate the lessons learned from Delaware’s College Success Report.

A Quality Education for Every Child

The time is now for policymakers to take a bold and comprehensive approach to K-12 education.

The Rigor of a High School Diploma Is at Risk

States must take legislative action in order to ensure that the coursework to receive a high school diploma is the same for college admissions eligibility.

11 Ways New Governors Can Lead on Education Through Executive Actions

From teacher pay to school infrastructure to workforce readiness, new governors should move quickly to advance key education priorities in their states.

Redesigning High School: Local Perspectives From Schools and Districts

Communities across the country are redesigning their high schools to better engage students and prepare them for success in college and the workforce.

Using the Science of Learning to Redesign Schools

Policymakers must reimagine instruction and school structures to reflect the latest science of learning.

A Well-Rounded Education

America’s high school students need a rich and varied curriculum in order to be successful in high school, college, and beyond.

Blueprint for Accountability Systems for Alternative High Schools

Advancing state and local policy discussions about developing accountability systems for alternative high schools.

College Signing Days Reflect a Future Worth Celebrating

Getting high school students to and through college requires K-12 school systems to invest more in comprehensive college preparation efforts.

Are High School Diplomas Really a Ticket to College and Work?

A 50-state review of high school graduation requirements shows misalignment between the coursework necessary to receive a high school diploma and to be eligible for college admissions.

7 Great Education Policy Ideas for Progressives in 2018

A progressive education policy agenda should focus on putting economic mobility and opportunity within reach for all.