Guide for Secondary and Postsecondary Curriculum Alignment

"The Significant Discussions Project, with generous support from MetLife Foundation, is based on the recognition that misalignment of curriculum among secondary schools, community colleges, universities, and employers creates barriers to student success, and that collaborative discussions about curriculum alignment across educational sectors are often random and voluntary. Further, few systems are in place to institutionalize or incentivize collaborative work to improve alignment. One highly significant exception is the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006, which requires that secondary, postsecondary, and business partners collaborate in the development of programs of study. 

"The major emphasis on increasing student success, particularly in the community college, has been strengthened by the current administration’s call for a steep increase in the number of students who complete a postsecondary degree or other credential. Private foundations have also challenged educators to increase college completion with an emphasis on minority and low-income students. In this environment, as colleges seek innovative, effective strategies to facilitate student completion, curriculum alignment is a promising area for helping ensure student success.

"Throughout 2010, the League for Innovation has led the Significant Discussions Project, with the goal of developing a Significant Discussions guide designed to facilitate discussions between faculty and administrators in secondary and postsecondary institutions that would lead to curriculum alignment between these institutions. Based on effective practices identified from participating pilot community colleges, and including supporting materials that can be widely used or easily adapted for use, Significant Discussions: A Guide for Secondary and Postsecondary Curriculum Alignment is available for free use by community colleges and their partnering institutions and organizations.

League for Innovation in the Community College