Encouraging a

college-going culture.

It's important to foster an environment that encourages and motivates students to aim for college. Coined by a recent report from the University of Southern California Center for Higher Education Policy Analysis, the term "college-going culture" speaks to a school environment that validates students' goals and responds positively to their aspirations to pursue higher education.

It's not just what you say. It's what you communicate, both verbally and nonverbally. Consider the surroundings of your classroom or office — posters on the wall, messages displayed around the room or in the hallways. How can you reach your students with the message of higher education more effectively? Also consider ways to incorporate higher education into your curriculum and lesson plan.