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Unveiling New Tools for Educators, School Counselors and Advisors: Enhance College Decision-Making with Our Latest College Scorecard Toolkits – ED.gov Blog

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By: John Garcia, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development

The U.S. Department of Education (Department), under the leadership of U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, is committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible higher education system. As part of that commitment, the Department has developed various tools and resources that both foster transparency for users and inform college and career decision making. Today, the Department is introducing two new innovative toolkits that extend the utility and capabilities of our College Scorecard; one tailored specifically for teachers, and another for school counselors and college access advisors. Collectively, these resources are designed to equip our education professionals with the information and tools they need to guide students towards their best postsecondary education decision.  Relatedly, to help inform that process with up-to-date, objective information, the Department recently refreshed several of Scorecard’s key data points such as post completion earning calculations at the institutional and program level to ensure users have access to the most recent value outcomes when comparing programs of study and institutions.

For Educators: Bringing Data into the Classroom 

The “College Scorecard for the Classroom: Empowering Data-Driven Decision-Making” toolkit empowers teachers to transform the classroom into an interactive learning environment where students can navigate the complexities of choosing a post-secondary institution. Educators are provided with a series of integrated teaching materials that begin with an introduction to the College Scorecard, explaining its importance and utility in the higher education landscape. The journey continues as teachers guide students through the nuances of navigating this valuable tool, learning to extract and analyze key data points. Finally, the toolkit engages students with practical exercises that apply this data, empowering them to make informed decisions about their educational future.

For College Access Advisors: Enhancing Professional Development 

Similarly, the “Professional Development Toolkit for College Access Advisors” equips school counselors and college access advisors with the knowledge to utilize the College Scorecard at a professional level. This toolkit begins by familiarizing advisors with the comprehensive features of the Scorecard. It then enhances their ability to navigate this resource efficiently, ensuring they can provide informed and effective supports. Lastly, it prepares advisors to share their knowledge by providing resources that convey complex information in an accessible way.

Each toolkit not only contains step-by-step guides but also includes dynamic presentation materials and supplementary resources to enhance the learning experience. These materials are designed to engage participants, whether they are applied in a classroom setting or as part of a professional development workshop. 

The toolkits released today are a valuable part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to make resources more accessible and to empower students and educators with the tools necessary to make educated decisions about postsecondary educational and career paths. By incorporating these toolkits into educational settings, the Department is helping to pave the way for more informed, data-driven decisions that can lead to successful educational and professional outcomes. 

To access and learn more about these toolkits and how to integrate them into your educational practices, please click on the “Resources ” tab located at the top right of the College Scorecard page or contact the Scorecard team via email at collegescorecard@ed.gov . The Department will continue to support educators and students with the knowledge and information to help navigate their futures. 

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U.S. Department of Education

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