CORE Program: A Comprehensive, Systems-Based Approach to Enhance College and Career Readiness in Rural High Schools

CORE is a comprehensive, systems-based approach that consists of seven components designed to build school capacity to better prepare students for college and career by enhancing their 21 st century skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, technology skills, collaboration skills, and creativity. CORE integrates technology and active learning modules in schools by providing multi-disciplinary teams of teachers and administrators with professional development and support to improve college and career readiness and noncognitive skills outcomes among grade 10-12 students in primarily high need and rural high schools. CORE professional development courses began with the 2gno.me skills assessment during orientation, followed by access to an online learning experience based on the SmarterU learning management system. Professional development resources were available to participating school teams, providing teachers with access to online instructional support to integrate technology and new teaching methodologies in school classrooms that promote individualized student learning, and teacher collaboration through sharing learning objects, lesson plans, and teaching strategies. Through this grant, JSU