The evolving professional landscape necessitates educational innovation to prepare students for emerging challenges. This paper explores the integration of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Education (HE) through double-degree programs, challenging the conventional perception of these pathways as independent. Recognising the…

The enclosed materials contain fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024) responses from Illinois' public Community College System to the "Hispanic Employment Plan Survey and the Bilingual Needs and Bilingual Pay Survey" (Public Act 096-1286). The legislation asks that each community college provide an annual assessment of…

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand how students at a large, suburban community college have utilized credit for prior learning (CPL). This case study included semi-structured interviews with 17 students regarding how they learned about CPL, experiences receiving their credits, and their perceptions of how CPL contributed…

Today's learners demand a new, agile model for education. They need options that are more accessible, flexible, and clearly aligned to careers. And to deliver on that, higher education has to break out of time-bound programs--15-credit hour semesters, two-year and four-year degrees--and concepts of learning that are strictly tied to traditional…

M-DCPS had 21,354 graduates in the 2022-2023 academic year. Ninety two percent of students achieved a standard diploma (24 credits). Some students opted for an international curriculum pathway, with 846 (4%) attaining an Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) diploma, and 436 (2%) obtaining an International Baccalaureate (IB)…

A growing body of research has documented extensive credit loss among transfer students. However, the field lacks theoretically driven and empirically supported frameworks that can guide credit loss research and reforms. We develop and then test a comprehensive framework designed to address this gap using novel administrative credit loss data from…

Community colleges are an important entry point and pathway for students to obtain a postsecondary degree in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. To broaden STEM participation and increase STEM persistence, it is important to support community college students' college-level course completion and academic performance. This…

This annual publication of "The ABCs of School Choice" is a comprehensive, data-rich guide to every private school choice program in America. This edition of "The ABCs of School Choice" defines each of the six types of school choice: education savings accounts, vouchers, tax-credit scholarships, tax-credit education savings…

This study explores how students' initial two years at college influence degree GPA and duration of completion. Results highlight the importance of the first two-year cumulative GPA and credits in forecasting degree outcomes. Early college credits and high school GPA impact success, guiding effective course planning. Implications encompass…

Early college high schools (ECHSs), which combine high school with the first two years of college, have grown in popularity nationwide. Research suggests ECHS participation has positive impacts on college enrollment and completion, but little is known about how ECHS graduates experience university life. Using a framework of college belonging and…

As postsecondary developmental education policy reforms are implemented, increased attention must be given to students with learning and attention disabilities. The purpose of this study was to bring these students into the conversation, by examining their representation in developmental education broadly, as well the effect of this intervention…

Dual enrollment (DE)--taking college courses in high school--can help improve student access to and success in college. In the past few years, California has passed legislation that expanded DE through the College and Careers Access Program (CCAP) and enacted reforms in assessment and placement for English and English as a Second Language (ESL).…

In response to the educational and workforce challenges facing young adults without high school diplomas, Ohio House Bill 33 authorized the creation of the 18+ Pilot Adult High School Diploma Program. Backed by a $2.5 million appropriation, HB33 established this initiative to operate during Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025, offering a flexible,…

A growing number of postsecondary institutions and systems have begun offering or scaling stackable credential programs. These structured education and training pathways--in fields such as health care, information technology, and manufacturing and engineering technology--provide individuals with opportunities to earn certificates, postsecondary…

State and national initiatives focused on meeting student completion goals have been established for higher education to help produce a stronger workforce and meet economic labor market demands. Some of these initiatives have been centered around improving adult learner enrollment and completion. More adult learners are returning to higher…