Preparing Students for College Learning and Work: Investigating the Capstone Course Component of Virginia's College and Career Readiness Initiative

Based on a set of performance expectations for college readiness, Virginia’s capstone courses in English and mathematics were developed to help support college-intending high school juniors and seniors who are at risk of placing into developmental education. The courses were piloted in more than 20 high schools across Virginia during the 2011–12 academic year. NCPR researchers investigated the design and implementation of the capstone courses, identifying issues that practitioners should consider as the capstone course initiative expands and implications for researchers investigating capstone courses.