NECSS Initiatives – College and Career Readiness

Math Project (Math 080)

The goal of this initiative is to “increase the percentage of first time, full time freshman from Harper’s feeder high school districts who begin in credit bearing courses”. In the fall of 2012, the math instructors at the NECSS partner high schools in Arlington Heights, Barrington, buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Wheeling and at Harper College agreed to offer Harper’s highest level developmental math course (Math 080) in high school as an option for a targeted population.

There has been an upward trend in entering college-ready math courses (42.9%-53.3%). Additionally, data indicates a shift upward in developmental placement levels. This means there is a decline in the percentage of students placing in the lowest levels of developmental courses. This project will continue to be monitored in the future.

Increase Early College Credit Opportunities

NECSS districts throughout Chicago’s NW suburbs are working together to plan and offer the highest quality Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, Articulated Credit and Credit by Exam opportunities to our students.  Earning postsecondary education credit while in high school gives students a head start on completing a college degree or certificate program. The Career and Core Dual  Committees have developed a 3 to 5 year plan outlining the development of future early college opportunities. Having a structured plan will provide lead time for professional development to insure high school instructors meet the Harper College teacher credential requirements.

English Alignment Project

This student success program is a joint initiative which aligns the content requirements in the core academic area of English.  The objective is to reduce the number of students placing in non-credit bearing courses when entering postsecondary education.  All education levels share a common understanding of the secondary Illinois Learning Standards, Common Core and postsecondary content and skill expectations.

Teacher Industry Certification

NECSS is committed to offering students stackable credentials from secondary through postsecondary education. Increasing the credentialing of high school faculty provides more opportunities to the students to obtain an industry credential in less time. Presently high school students have an opportunity to select a sequence of courses that lead to one of the 21 industry recognized certifications offered in the districts.