College Knowledge

by David T. Conley (University of Oregon)

• ISBN13: 9780787973971
• ISBN10: 0787973971
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-04-01
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

Although more and more students have the test scores and transcripts to get into college, far too many are struggling once they get there. These students are surprised to find that college coursework demands so much more of them than high school. For the first time, they are asked to think deeply, write extensively, document assertions, solve non-routine problems, apply concepts, and accept unvarnished critiques of their work. College Knowledge confronts this problem by looking at the disconnect between what high schools do and what colleges expect and proposes a solution by identifying what students need to know and be able to do in order to succeed.The book is based on an extensive three-year project sponsored by the Association of American Universities in partnership with The Pew Charitable Trusts. This landmark research identified what it takes to succeed in entry-level university courses. Based on the project's findings - and interviews with students, faculty, and staff - this groundbreaking book delineates the cognitive skills and subject area knowledge that college-bound students need to master in order to succeed in today's colleges and universities. These Standards for Success cover the major subject areas of English, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, second languages, and the arts.

Author Biography

DAVID T. CONLEY is professor of Educational Policy and Leadership and founder and director of the Center for Educational Policy Research at the University of Oregon. He served as the developer and executive director of the Proficiency-based Admission Standards System (PASS) for the Oregon University System, and currently conducts studies for the College Board to validate the standards used in the SAT, PSAT, and AP tests. Dr. Conley has 12 years' experience as a teacher and administrator in public schools. He works internationally with governments and education systems in Asia, Australia, and Latin America.

Table of Contents

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

About the Author.

PART ONE: From the Current System and the High School of Today to an Aligned, Coherent Program.

ONE: Understanding the System.

TWO: What High School Students Know About College Readiness.

THREE: The Old and New Criteria for College Success.

FOUR: Current Strategies to Increase College Readiness.

FIVE: What Does a High School That Prepares Its Students for College Success Look Like?

SIX: Designing High Schools for Intellectual Coherence.

PART TWO: The First-Year Experience and Beyond.

SEVEN: Experiencing Success in the First Year of College.

EIGHT: What Really Happens in the First Year of College.

NINE: What We Must Do to Create a System That Prepares Students for College Success.

PART THREE: Knowledge and Skills for Success.

TEN: Standards for Success.

ELEVEN: English Knowledge and Skills.

TWELVE: Mathematics Knowledge and Skills.

THIRTEEN: Natural Sciences Knowledge and Skills.

FOURTEEN: Social Sciences Knowledge and Skills.

FIFTEEN: Second Languages Knowledge and Skills.

SIXTEEN: Arts Knowledge and Skills.

SEVENTEEN: University Work Samples.

APPENDIX A: Checklist for College Readiness.

BIBLIOGRAPHY.

INDEX.