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DATA FOR STAKEHOLDERS – Postsecondary Improvement
JULY 2010 – This presentation provides an overview of the 15 essential characteristics and required functionality of an ideal state postsecondary data system and introduces potential uses. States are feeling the necessity, possibility and demand for developing better student unit record systems as a result of increased emphasis on productivity, Race to the Top, a desire for more targeted investment strategies and better P-20 alignment, national and state attainment goals, Complete College America, greater institutional accountability and SLDS grants. Download The Ideal State Postsecondary Data System: 15 Essential Characteristics and Required Functionality (source: Data Quality Campaign)
POSTSECONDARY SUCCESS - Common Standards
JUNE 2010. Nearly half the states have adopted a new set of common academic standards, barely a month after their final release and, in most cases, with little opposition. 
Click the map to see which states have adopted the common-core standards. Read more.
Click here for a presentation on Common-Core Standards from the Idaho State Department of Education.
POSTSECONDARY SUCCESS – Governors Push College Completion.
JULY 2010. If the United States is going to make meaningful progress on increasing the number of Americans with college credentials, it’s going to be up to the states to get the job done. And systemic change in the states will occur only if their governors get with the program. That’s the underlying message that West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin delivered in announcing that he would make higher education productivity the focus of his term as chair of the National Governors Association. Manchin outlined his initiative, Complete to Compete, to encourage states to increase the number of college- and career-ready residents. (Inside Higher Ed, 07/12/10)
POSTSECONDARY SUCCESS - College Readiness Gap
JUNE 2010. A new brief highlights policy steps states can take to close the college readiness gap. The brief identifies the key issues and problems associated with the college readiness gap, which is a major impediment to increasing the numbers of college students who complete certificates or degrees. This policy brief also provides governors, legislators, and state education leaders with specific steps they need to take to close the readiness gap in their state. These findings and recommendations were prepared by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, and the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB).
Downloadable copy available at http://www.highereducation.org/reports/college_readiness/index.shtml
