Ensure Student Success in Advanced Courses with these 5 Steps

By Paul DeAngelis, Regional Director of Partnership Development, EOS

In today’s educational landscape, ensuring equal access to advanced courses for all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, is crucial for fostering academic success and preparing students for their future careers.  

Over my 34 years in public education, much of it as a district leader, I have seen many school leaders do good work in promoting student success and social emotional wellbeing. But I also know that there is always room for improvement to truly make a difference in students’ lives.  

Below, I outline the five essential steps school leaders must take to enhance educational opportunities and academic success – and move from good to impactful.  

Step 1: Identify and Remove Barriers 

The first step in creating greater educational opportunities is to identify and remove barriers that block students from advanced courses. This involves a deep examination of current practices and policies that may unintentionally create these barriers. One of the most critical aspects of this step is addressing adult mindsets and implicit biases.  

Traditional methods of identifying students for advanced courses (mainly GPA or standardized test scores), often overlook many capable students.  By broadening the criteria for course enrollment and actively seeking out students who show potential in various forms, we can open doors for a more diverse group of learners. 

What School Leaders Should Do: 

• Conduct thorough data analysis to identify enrollment gap patterns in advanced courses 

• Provide professional development focused on recognizing and mitigating implicit biases 

• Implement more inclusive selection processes for advanced courses that consider multiple factors beyond just grades and test scores

Step 2: Provide Teacher Training and Support 

Once barriers are identified and addressed, the next step is to provide comprehensive training and support for teachers. This means equipping educators with the tools and strategies needed to implement effective Tier 1 interventions for students in all classrooms, advanced or otherwise.  

Teacher training should emphasize: 

• Differentiated instruction techniques to meet the needs of diverse learners 

• Culturally responsive teaching practices that engage all students 

• Strategies for creating a supportive and challenging classroom environment 

By investing in teacher development, we can ensure that all students receive high-quality instruction that prepares them for success in advanced courses. 

Step 3: Implement Student Support Systems 

The next step involves creating robust student support systems. This shifts the responsibility for student success from the students themselves to the educators and the school system. 

Effective student support systems should:  

• Foster a sense of belonging for all students, particularly those from underrepresented groups

• Recognize belonging as a lagging indicator, stemming from teacher-initiated improvements to the classroom community

• Provide academic and SEL support for students navigating advanced courses for the first time

• Develop mentorship programs that connect students with role models and advocates 

By implementing these student support systems, schools can create an environment where all students feel seen, valued, and capable of succeeding in rigorous academic programs. 

Step 4: Enhance Communication and Awareness 

The fourth step is to improve communication and raise awareness about the importance of advanced coursework. This is crucial for ensuring that students and parents understand the value of rigor and how participation impacts post-secondary success. 

Effective communication strategies should include: 

• Hosting informational sessions for students and parents about advanced course offerings

• Providing clear and accessible information about the benefits of rigorous coursework

• Sharing success stories of students who have thrived in advanced courses 

Step 5: Shift to Student-Centered Qualitative Data 

This final step involves a fundamental shift in how schools measure success. Instead of relying solely on quantitative data like GPA and test scores, schools should place greater emphasis on student-centered qualitative data that captures students’ experiences and potential for growth.  

Multi-dimensional tools like EOS’ Student Insight Card gather key information on students like: 

• Their aspirations and educational goals 

• Their curricular and extra-curricular interests 

• Their strengths as defined by their learning mindsets 

• Their barriers to success 

• Their identified trusted adults 

Regardless of the method or tool, collecting and analyzing data on students’ sense of belonging and engagement in school is crucial.

Common strategies of highly impactful schools include conducting regular surveys and focus groups to understand student perspectives and using qualitative data to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.  

By prioritizing students’ experiences and voices, schools can create more responsive and effective educational environments that truly meet the needs of all learners.

Conclusion: Why this work is important 

It’s important to remember that this work is ongoing. It requires commitment, reflection, and a willingness to challenge long-standing practices and beliefs. However, the potential impact on students’ lives makes this effort not just worthwhile, but essential. 

By taking these five steps, schools can create a more inclusive educational environment where every student is seen, understood, and given the opportunity to reach their full potential. This not only benefits individual students but also contributes to building a more just and prosperous society for all.  

As we move forward, let’s commit to transforming our schools from good to impactful, ensuring that every student has the chance to thrive in their academic journey and beyond. 

To learn more, explore our solutions or reach out to me at paul.deangelis@eoschools.org. 

About Paul: I spent 34 years in public education, all in Michigan. Before retiring in 2022, I served as Executive Director of Ann Arbor Public Schools and partnered with EOS. Ann Arbor continues to increase advanced course enrollment each year by utilizing EOS’ tools and strategies.