articles & reports

Featured here are selections of articles and reports written by Dr. David Conley, EPIC partners and clients, and EPIC staff at the conclusion of EPIC research projects. Further publications can be found by clicking on the categorical links. As new publications are released, they will be posted here for download.

Redefining College Readiness*

published for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation The purpose of this report is to provide an operational definition of college readiness that differs from current representations of this concept primarily in its scope. The report suggests that, while much has been learned about this phenomenon, particularly during the past 20 years, few systematic attempts have been made to integrate the various aspects or components of college readiness that have been investigated in some depth during this period of time. As a result, college readiness continues to be defined primarily in terms of high school courses taken and grades received, along with scores on national tests, as its primary metrics. March 2007

*previously titled Toward A More Comprehensive Conception of College Readiness

Washington Adequacy Funding Study

The constitution of the state of Washington declares, "It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders." This establishes education, and education funding, as the highest priorities to the state. The goal of this study was to determine the level of educational expenditure necessary to make ample provision for the education of all students, providing all students with the skills to meet long-term academic standards, pursue additional learning beyond high school, and become productive citizens and contributing members of society. January 2007

College Readiness and High School-to-College Success

by David Conley, presented at the Aspen Institute The nation's K-12 educational systems may be reaching a potentially historical turning point. Initially designed to educate students to a “common” level of basic education, public schools are now expected increasingly to prepare the vast majority of students for education beyond high school. Achieving this difficult goal is complicated by a number of factors. These include the limitations of the existing means for determining college eligibility, the separate governance systems for K-12 and postsecondary education, changes in the demographics of American public school students, and even the well-intentioned efforts of states to raise high school graduation requirements. What will it take to transform American education from sorting and selecting students for college to enabling more students to be truly ready for postsecondary success? February 2008