Overview

Technological tools for college and career advising have proliferated widely over the last 20 years because they have the potential to provide valuable assistance to learners. But it is difficult for districts and states to determine which ones to procure, for funders to identify which are worth investing in, or for product developers to decide which designs to pursue. In fact, districts, states, and technology providers lack a shared definition of what constitutes “quality.” The result is a fragmented market and uneven support for learners.

This project therefore aims to standardize definitions of quality features for college and career advising tools. Drawing on existing research, the team is identifying core features and performance thresholds that support students’ transitions from high school to postsecondary education and careers. The end product—a “target product profile”—will provide a practical framework informed by evidence to guide those building, purchasing, evaluating, investing in, and using these tools.