5 profound insights about College and Career Readiness (CCR) that most people—educators, policymakers, and even parents—often overlook: 1. “Readiness” is Not About GPA or Test Scores—It’s About Agency Most CCR models overemphasize academic metrics, but true readiness lies in a student's ability to self-direct, problem-solve, and navigate complexity. A student with a 3.8 GPA who’s never had to advocate for themselves is less ready than a B-student who’s held a job, failed at something, and bounced back. 2. College and Career Aren’t Two Tracks—They’re One Interconnected Path We falsely frame college and career as either/or, when in reality, they’re mutually reinforcing. The best career paths often require some postsecondary learning, and the smartest college decisions are made with career outcomes in mind. Every student needs both awareness and access to options across the spectrum. 3. “Soft Skills” Are Actually Core Skills Communication, reliability, teamwork, adaptability—these...