If College-for-All, then College Prep-for-All?

with Kori Stroub, Camila Cigarroa Kennedy, & Bethany Lewis

In this study, we describe the distribution of college prep course offerings across Texas and determine which school characteristics are associated with higher and lower numbers of course offerings. We also examine how college prep course offerings are related to student-level college prep course-taking and, in turn, how course-taking behaviors are related to long-term educational outcomes. This investigation of the distribution of college prep course offerings across Texas high schools reveals that more college prep courses are offered at larger, urban and suburban schools with higher levels of academic achievement and lower levels of economic disadvantage. Offering more college prep courses is associated with higher levels of course-taking, which, in turn, is associated with improved chances of completing a postsecondary credential, particularly for lower-achieving students.

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