EdImagine

EdImagine

The Four Keys to College and Career Readiness

College and Career Readiness

The Four Keys to College and Career Readiness describes the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to be ready for college and career. The Four Keys model is built on over a decade of research on what it takes to succeed in college and careers. According to the model, students who are ready for college and careers will do better than those who are solely eligible.

The Four Keys: Think, Know, Act, and Go, with their associated readiness skills
Insightfull
Insightfull Portal

The Four Keys in detail

Think

Cognitive Strategies

Problem Formulation

  • Hypothesize
  • Strategize

Research

  • Identify
  • Collect

Interpretation

  • Analyze
  • Evaluate

Communication

  • Organize
  • Construct

Precision & Accuracy

  • Monitor
  • Confirm

 

Know

Content Knowledge

Structure of Knowledge

  • Key Terms & Terminology
  • Factual Information
  • Linking Ideas
  • Organizing Concepts

Attitudes Toward Learning Concepts

  • Challenge Level
  • Value
  • Attribution
  • Effort

Foundational Knowledge and Skills

  • Specific College & Career Readiness Standards

Act

Learning Skills & Techniques

Ownership of Learning

  • Goal Setting
  • Persistence
  • Self-awareness
  • Motivation
  • Help-seeking
  • Progress Monitoring
  • Self-efficacy

Learning Techniques

  • Time Management
  • Test Taking Skills
  • Note Taking Skills
  • Memorization / Recall
  • Strategic Reading
  • Collaborative Learning
  • Technology

Go

Transition Knowledge & Skills

Contextual

  • Aspirations
  • Norms/Culture

Procedural

  • Institution Choice
  • Admission Process

Financial

  • Tuition
  • Financial Aid

Cultural

  • Postsecondary Norms

Personal

  • Self-Advocacy in an Institutional Context