College/Career Indicator

This indicator, reported on the California School Dashboard, applies to districts and schools with students in grades 9–12.

What is this Indicator?

The College/Career Indicator (CCI) is one of several state indicators that the California Department of Education (CDE) reports on the California School Dashboard (Dashboard). It represents the percentage of high school graduates that local education agencies (LEAs) prepare for college or a career. This indicator was designed to encourage high schools to provide all students with a rigorous broad course of study that prepares them for postsecondary success. The following measures have been approved by the State Board of Education for inclusion into the indicator:

Advanced Placement
Met University of California/California State University (UC/CSU) Requirements
Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathway Completion
College Credit Course
International Baccalaureate
Leadership/Military Science
Registered Pre-Apprenticeships
Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments in English Language Arts/Literacy and mathematics (Grade 11)
State and Federal Job Programs
State Seal of Biliteracy
Transition Classroom and Work-Based Learning Experiences

This indicator is reported on the Dashboard for any local educational agency (LEA) and high school that enrolls students in grade twelve.

Additional Reports

Designed for educators, the School Dashboard Additional Reports offer information and data beyond what are reported on the Dashboard, including summarized views across all state indicators. Reports specific to this indicator are:

College/Career Measures Report
Met UC/CSU Requirements and CTE Pathway Completion Report

Resources

General Information about the Indicator

College/Career Indicator (PDF)
Measures of College Readiness (PDF) A list of college measures used to determine whether a student is “Prepared” or “Approaching Prepared” for postsecondary education.
Measures of Career Readiness (PDF) A list of career measures used to determine whether a student is “Prepared” or “Approaching Prepared” for the work-force.

Technical Information about the Indicator

2025 Dashboard Technical Guide - This guide is the key to unlocking how the CCI is calculated for the Dashboard. An extensive review of the CCI, and all other state indicators is covered with explanations on the calculation formulas and business rules.
Work-Based Learning Measures in the College/Career Indicator - Be informed of the definitions and guidance on the CCI work-based learning measures
Handbook on the Connections Between CALPADS and the Dashboard(DOCX) - A user-friendly handbook filled with print screens to help you confirm your California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) data before it is used for the Dashboard.
District of Residence flyer (PDF) - The District of Special Education Accountability rule is applied to all state indicators. Download this flyer to learn more.
Downloadable Data Files: College Career Indicator - Access statewide LEA, school, and student group Dashboard graduation rate results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The College/Career Indicator FAQs web page addresses the common questions received on this state indicator.

Additional Information about the Dashboard

Connect to the Dashboard Measures tab on the Dashboard Resources web page to learn about other state indicators reported on the Dashboard.
View the 2025 Dashboard Communication Toolkit to access the latest information about the 2025 Dashboard.
Resources for parents, educators, and those new to the Dashboard are available on the Dashboard Resources web page.
Five-by-Five Colored Tables – Access the Status cut scores, Change cut scores, and Performance Levels (or colors) for each state indicator.

Next Steps

There are no next steps or upcoming changes for this indicator.