It's accepted wisdom that the earlier a student is engaged in thinking about going to college, the more likely they will graduate from high school and undertake postsecondary classes.

Most of the real preparation for college starts in high school, but there are plans to engage students earlier. One such plan in Detroit will give middle-school students college credit for a life-skills class next school year.

As reported in the Detroit News, the local school district is requiring 8,000 eighth-graders to take a free one-hour online course. A pass earns one college credit.

“The idea is to get students thinking about college before they enter ninth grade,” said District Superintendent William Coleman III. "We know we're losing students at the ninth grade. We want them to come into high school excited about learning." The course aims to help decrease the number of dropouts as well as better prepare students for high school and postsecondary classes.

The course, to be developed in cooperation with a local community college, covers note-taking, study skills, career planning and other college readiness tips. The course can be taken during class time but also at home or at a library.

A seventh-grader interviewed by the Detroit News said she looks forward to taking the course next year. "I think it's a good opportunity. If it's for college, I'm for it. I've wanted to go to college ever since I can remember."

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