New Study Shows Rigorous High School Core Curriculum Can Help Close Racial & Income Gaps in College Success

ACT's latest research report, "Mind the Gaps: How College Readiness Narrows Achievement Gaps in College Success," concludes that the best way to prepare underrepresented racial/ethnic minority and lower-income students for postsecondary success is through a rigorous high school core curriculum that focuses on the essential knowledge and skills for college and career readiness.

The report makes three major recommendations to help close racial/ethnic and income gaps in college success.

1. Ensure that all students take at least a core curriculum in high school.
2. Focus high school core courses on the essential standards for college and career readiness.
3. Offer all students rigorous high school core courses that cover the essential knowledge and skills needed for college and career in sufficient depth and intensity.

Learn more . . .

• Full Report (68 pages; 593KB)
• Executive Summary (2 pages; 49KB)
• Policy Alert Message (this email message)