State leaders play a vital role in developing systems that influence how higher education institutions and K-12 schools work with one another to ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education. In 2018, the Indiana Department of Education and Commission for Higher Education jointly convened a Postsecondary Transitions Steering Committee to develop a set of shared priorities to increase students’ postsecondary preparation, transitions and success. Chaired by K-12 Superintendent Jennifer McCormick and Higher Ed Commissioner Teresa Lubbers. The Postsecondary Transitions Steering Committee was responsible for developing a joint K-12 and higher education action plan that identified ways that the K-12 and Higher Education systems could broaden and deepen their partnership efforts to increase the number of students that seamlessly transition to a postsecondary degree program.
State Recommendations
The Postsecondary Transitions Steering Committee arrived at a set of recommendations to improve postsecondary transitions in Indiana in the following areas:
- Develop and scale postsecondary transition pathways, beginning with mathematics.
- Promote navigational supports that smooth student transitions from secondary to postsecondary education and training, including but not limited to activities currently required for the 21st Century Scholars.
- Expand the use of key postsecondary transitions data to facilitate cross-sector collaboration and support student success.
In November 2018, the Commission for Higher Education unanimously approved a resolution supporting the recommendations. In December 2018, the State Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution supporting the recommendations.
The Indiana Postsecondary Transitions Committee illustrates the power that cross-sector collaboration between K-12 and higher education can have in opening doors that will ensure the academic and career success of students.
For more information about Indiana’s level up strategy or to share your own Level Up story, please contact us.