Understanding the gap between students exiting high school and college readiness: A Modified Delphi stud

The purpose of this Modified Delphi study was to discern the appropriate profile of an incoming freshman and the essential knowledge and skills freshmen need for academic success beyond high school. This study was conducted to examine the specific problem that the structure of public high school curriculum and the current college standards in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex in Texas are not sufficiently aligned with higher education institutions, although many high school students anticipate having college preparedness upon graduation. A literature review exhibited critics' claims that some higher institutions have had to lower admission standards while other educational experts have affirmed that a high percentage of incoming freshmen students are required to attend remedial courses. Recent reforms represent attempts by the state of Texas to measure students' academic performance in required core courses and incorporate into graduation requirements. Since the outcomes from the recent reforms would not be available prior to the completion of this research study, the gap between exiting high school graduates and college readiness standards still existed at the time of this study. This Modified Delphi study involved collecting data from high school teachers and college faculty via electronic surveys. Participants were invited to share their expert opinions concerning the specific knowledge and skills college freshmen need to be successful in a college setting. The researcher identified the appropriate profile of a college freshman student and recommended partnership models to strengthen the PK-16 pipeline. The results from this study verified that incoming freshmen students need additional college preparation as a foundation for success beyond high school expectations and success in a college learning setting.