StudentTracker Empowers High Schools to Assess the Postsecondary Pathways of Their Graduates

An Interview with Michele Gralak, Student Tracker for High Schools Product Manager

StudentTracker for High Schools, offered by the National Student Clearinghouse, is a unique service that empowers high schools and school districts to assess the postsecondary pathways of their graduates. In an interview with StudentTracker for High Schools product manager, Michele Gralak, we explore how schools utilize this program to enhance performance.

How does StudentTracker enable high schools and districts to prepare students for success after high school?

StudentTracker’s outcomes feature three essential performance indicators: enrollment, persistence, and completion. At the high school level, administrators primarily focus on higher education enrollment. They examine whether their students attend college in the first year, when they are first going, and which institutions they choose. Additionally, they can evaluate whether students complete their studies and earn credentials. These insights provide valuable perspectives for college and career readiness counselors. Based on the results, high schools can adjust their offerings accordingly to ensure student success.

Can you provide some interesting examples of how high schools or districts utilize StudentTracker to support student achievement?

One high school discovered through StudentTracker that many of its graduates were enrolling in college but not completing their programs. To address this issue, they contacted some of the students to understand why they were discontinuing their studies. They found that the students struggled with effective exam preparation. This revelation prompted the school to modify its curriculum and incorporate sessions on exam preparation.

In what ways do high schools use StudentTracker to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) imperatives, such as supporting at-risk populations?

StudentTracker offers optional data elements, including demographics such as gender, race, and ethnicity. However, it also allows for more specific factors that align with DEI goals, such as measuring academic performance for students who are economically disadvantaged or for whom English is a second language. Academic leaders can analyze the data from StudentTracker to assess how well they cater to the educational needs of different population groups.

Learn more about StudentTracker for High Schools.

“StudentTracker’s outcomes feature three essential performance indicators: enrollment, persistence, and completion … Based on the results, high schools can adjust their offerings accordingly to ensure student success.”

Michele Gralak
Product Manager, StudentTracker for High Schools, National Student Clearinghouse

Additional Resources:

• Learn about StudentTracker for High Schools