Russell Rumberger argues for high schools to rethink their focus on college preparation to teach a broader set of skills. We agree that young people need to see the relevance of what they are studying, and that four-year colleges are not right for everyone. However, college for all – defined as a range of postsecondary options leading to credentials with value in the labor market – is a requirement in today's economy. That is why we support giving students the opportunity to prepare for and experience a broad range of college-level coursework while still in high school – including rigorous career and technical education. Recent research released by the Georgetown Center for Education and the Workforce reaffirms that a post-secondary education is still the clearest path to a middles class income for the vast majority of jobs. We applaud Mr. Rumberger's suggestion that high school include workplace experiences and technical courses connected to college – opportunities that lead to success in college, career, and in life. All young people deserve the opportunity to explore postsecondary options – and then transition into postsecondary education leading to family-sustaining employment. Marlene B. Seltzer President & CEO Jobs for the Future Boston, MA

In his November 20 commentary "How college prep is killing high school," Russell Rumberger argues for high schools to rethink their focus on college preparation to teach a broader set of skills. We agree that young people need to see the relevance of what they are studying, and that four-year colleges are not right for everyone. However, college for all – defined as a range of postsecondary options leading to credentials with value in the labor market – is a requirement in today's economy. That is why we support giving students the opportunity to prepare for and experience a broad range of college-level coursework while still in high school – including rigorous career and technical education. Recent research released by the Georgetown Center for Education and the Workforce reaffirms that a post-secondary education is still the clearest path to a middle class income for the vast majority of jobs. We applaud Mr. Rumberger's suggestion that high school include workplace experiences and technical courses connected to college – opportunities that lead to success in college, career, and in life. All young people deserve the opportunity to explore postsecondary options – and then transition into postsecondary education leading to family-sustaining employment. Marlene B. Seltzer President & CEO Jobs for the Future Boston, MA