LINKS BETWEEN SECONDARY AND POSTSECONDARY
WHAT IT IS
Pathways increase postsecondary attainment by bringing opportunities to earn postsecondary credit and credentials into secondary education.
High school and postsecondary curricula are aligned.
Educators plan for articulation and transferability.
WHY IT MATTERS
Students often find the transitions from secondary to postsecondary education challenging or unclear, leading to low postsecondary enrollment and completion rates—even though the majority of jobs in Texas require postsecondary certificates or degrees.
Students who are unable to transfer credits between educational institutions are at increased risk of failing to complete postsecondary credentials.
Pathways address the growing affordability challenge in postsecondary education by enabling students to earn credits and credentials at little or no cost.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Students progress through seamlessly connected secondary and postsecondary programs of study.
Pathways include all requirements for a high school diploma and a postsecondary credential, and have clear structures, timelines, and student requirements.
Bridge programs and transfer and articulation agreements provide structures that enable students to navigate transitions between institutions without running into dead ends.
Developmental education, corequisite remediation, and acceleration strategies support students and increase postsecondary credit attainment.
STAKEHOLDER ROLES
Secondary and postsecondary educators collaborate on the design of aligned programs of study and degree plans that incorporate opportunities for students to earn dual credit and access appropriate developmental education strategies.
Postsecondary educators develop bridge programs and transfer and articulation agreements that create connections that are transparent to students.
Regional conveners facilitate collaboration among educators.
