While most college and career readiness efforts have traditionally been focused on high school students, research shows that middle school is a critical time for students. Grades, attendance patterns, and engagement at the middle school level are among the strongest predictors of high school graduation and college going rates. According to ACT College Readiness research, the level of academic achievement that students attain by eighth grade has a larger impact on their college and career readiness by the time they graduate from high school than anything that happens academically in high school.
Measurement & Tracking
To evaluate this transition, the TAP4E reviews three key standardized test measures:
- STAAR 7th-grade writing
- STAAR 8th-grade math & science
- STAAR 8th-grade reading & social studies
Postsecondary Readiness, Access, and Success
Smith County high school graduation rates have climbed in recent years to well above the state average. The networks are working together to make certain that students are adequately prepared for education beyond high school. In addition, the networks seeks to ensure that all students have access to higher education and have the tools necessary to be successful. Over half of Smith County high school graduates enroll in a local institution of higher education – Tyler Junior College, The University of Texas at Tyler, or Texas College. Therefore, efforts to work together across our local educational pipeline are critical to success.
