District 214 initiative gets backing from National Louis University

Calling it a critical and innovative step forward in education, National Louis University leaders recently became the first higher education representatives in the nation to formally support the Redefining Ready initiative.

Redefining Ready, launched this year by Northwest Suburban High School District 214 in partnership with AASA, the School Superintendents Association, aims to redefine the national dialogue on college, career and life readiness by considering a variety of metrics rather than a single standardized test score.

Redefining Ready metrics include community service, co-curricular participation, success in Advanced Placement and dual-credit classes and attendance - all things research has shown impact postsecondary success.

"At NLU, we believe that every student has the ability to be successful in college, career and life, if provided the right access and support along their path," said Aarti Dhupelia, vice president of strategic initiatives. "We believe the Redefining Ready movement - and I say movement, not initiative or project, because I truly believe this is a large-scale movement in beliefs and practices in education, and one where District 214 is leading the way - is a critical and innovative step forward."

Dhupelia and Judah Viola, NLU's dean of the College of Professional Studies and Advancement, signed an official statement of support at an event in October.

National Louis University has been working with District 214 to expand college access and affordability, District 214 Superintendent David Schuler said.

"Our students should never be defined by, or reduced to, a single test score," he said.

The District 214 Board was the first in the nation to adopt the Redefining Ready framework. Since the initiative's January launch, villages, school districts and organizations across the nation have pledged support. Schuler, who served as 2015-2016 AASA president, continues to champion the initiative.

Students in District 214 have logged more than 2 million hours in internships in the last seven years, and annually earn more than 20,000 early college credit hours - both factors that research shows indicate potential for success after high school, but are not typically considered as readiness indicators nationally.

National Louis admissions practices already look at the accomplishments embodied by the whole student. The statement expresses the university's commitment to implement Redefining Ready throughout the school's culture.

"It reflects what employers in the 21st century economy are looking for - engaged workers, critical thinkers, team players, people with strong work ethic, and people who are open to feedback," Dhupelia said.

To learn more, visit www.redefiningready.org.