Defining College Readiness in Washington State

The 2004 Master Plan for Higher Education in Washington State called for defining college readiness in several core subjects, including math, science, English, social studies, and the arts.

In 2005, the state provided funds for the Higher Education Coordination Board to define college readiness in English and science.  Phase 1 (2006-07) produced preliminary English and science college readiness definitions.  In Phase 2 (2008-09), pilot teams of teachers will integrate the definitions in lesson plans and curricula in high school classrooms.   An anticipated Phase 3 (2010-11) would provide statewide professional development.

The English and science college readiness project is an ongoing collaborative effort involving K-12 and higher education stakeholders that is intended to:

• define what students must know and be able to do to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing college coursework;
• align requirements for college success with the learning outcomes emphasized in K-12 reform;
• be relevant to today’s technology-driven workplace, which increasingly requires students to have education beyond high school and higher-level skills.

Transition Math Project
In 2004, the state provided funds for the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to develop college readiness standards in mathematics. This is being accomplished through the Transition Math Project, which is also funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. For more information: http://www.transitionmathproject.org