To boost college admissions equity, let's support high-achieving freshmen of color

The first year of high school is a challenge to everyone. CPS has increased supports for high school freshmen, but high-achievers are still shorted. A new report suggests this has lasting consequences for district equity in college admissions.

In a district where many students may have attended the same school from kindergarten through eighth grade, ninth grade means finding a place in a whole new environment, building friendships in a whole new peer group and meeting higher expectations from teachers while receiving less personal attention and support. It also demands significant changes to kids’ daily routines, with earlier start times and longer, more complicated commutes to and from school...