Houston’s students are making real progress in college, career, and military readiness (CCMR), but not all the news is good. While the overall CCMR rate rose nearly 10 percentage points from 2022 to 2023, gaps remain for Black and emergent bilingual students. And much of the progress is coming from less rigorous indicators — raising questions about whether students are truly prepared for long-term success. In our last blog post, we explored some of these gaps.
This week, we highlight a few districts that are bucking the trend and expanding access to rigorous opportunities for their high school students. While not all students will pursue college, the most rigorous indicators of college readiness–including dual credit coursework and passing college readiness exams– also prepare students for multiple career pathways, giving students choices and opportunities beyond graduation.
Where Districts Are Making Progress
From 2019 to 2023, KIPP Houston saw a 50-point jump in college readiness rates, while Pasadena ISD increased by 39 points. Galena Park ISD and Channelview ISD also posted strong gains. Importantly, these districts aren’t just improving overall scores — they’re making progress in more rigorous college readiness indicators. These indicators are tied to future outcomes like college enrollment and workforce readiness.
Focusing on Rigor
As we discussed previously, not all CCMR indicators are created equal. Looking at rigorous indicators ensures students are really prepared for college and careers, not just “ready on paper.” Two rigorous indicators are Texas Success Initiative (TSI) readiness in math and reading and attainment of dual credits – completion of college-level coursework while in high school.
TSI Readiness includes meeting a minimum score on the SAT, ACT, or Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA). These exams are designed to assess academic skills that are important for college success. Passing them allows students to take college-level coursework after graduation without having to complete additional remedial classes. Galena Park ISD, Channelview ISD, Pasadena ISD, and KIPP Houston are improving TSI scores, joined by Sheldon ISD and Alief ISD.
Earning dual credits is another rigorous college readiness indicator. Students who earn dual credits have taken college-level coursework at a local college or university and these credits can be applied to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. These often require partnerships between community colleges and school districts to align calendars and course selection processes, and ensure students receive adequate support to complete the courses. Aldine ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Harmony Public Schools, and Pasadena ISD have boosted the number of graduates earning dual credits.
