About

The Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) Act establishes a statewide system for transitional instruction in math and English courses that provides a foundation for college and careers that high school seniors are lacking from their previous education. Transitional instruction provides students with the knowledge and skills to meet their individualized college and career goals and to be successful in college-level math and English courses, while aligning with the Illinois Learning Standards.

Students receive guaranteed placement at any Illinois community college upon successful completion of a transitional instruction course approved for statewide portability. The procedures for statewide portability require demonstration that the relevant competencies are addressed and that the required policies are met. Success is based on the mastery of the process and content competencies, which demonstrate readiness for college courses, instead of a single test score.  

Although some content in the courses will not be new, the experience should be. The coursework should be relevant to a senior in high school who will soon be an adult in society and, as such, should be prepared to enter postsecondary education and employment and contribute positively to their community. While the students have had some of the content before, they do not understand it well enough to show college readiness as measured by multiple means, including standardized tests and course grades. Contexts used should be authentic whenever possible and apply to the student’s college or career path. This approach is motivating and engaging, while setting the stage for the types of coursework a student will encounter in college and the workforce. Additionally, transitional courses will focus on a growth mindset, resilience, and perseverance, as well as 21st-century skills and preparation for entry to postsecondary education. These traits are essential to success in college for any student, but particularly first–generation college students.