Mapping the Early College Research Literature

This literature review sketches the contours of research on Early College High Schools, with a particular focus on North Carolina. The review highlights the kinds of questions being asked about early colleges, summarizes the insights that are emerging, and forecasts the kinds of questions that have not yet been pursued by the research community. Available research indicates that the early college model has been successful in creating positive student-teacher relationships, engaging students in rigorous academic work, and propelling students forward on a positive academic trajectory. Moving forward, further research on the larger institutional/policy context of the model can illuminate its potential to catalyze lasting educational reform.