Two Whittier Union high schools have been recognized for their success in guiding students toward completing rigorous coursework required to attend a California four-year university, significantly narrowing the achievement and equity gap, and providing these students an opportunity to have greater success in higher education, and pursue their dream career. Santa Fe and Pioneer high school students are completing their A-G coursework at rates far above the California average. The schools were cited by the Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE), a Southern California-based independent research center, which chose Whittier Union as one of nine California school districts to highlight in its recently-released “A-G Resource Guide,” which details insights and strategies which have proven to be successful in raising the percentage of students completing A-G. “We are extremely proud to be recognized by PACE. These numbers reflect the dedication and hard work of our administrators, teachers, parents and, most importantly, our students, who are rising to meet the academic challenge of high expectations,” Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Lilia Bozigian said. “Whittier Union continues to believe demographics do not determine destiny and that all students have an opportunity to attend a four-year university or select a career pathway of their choice.” To fulfill A-G coursework requirements, students must complete and pass with a “C” grade or better two years of history, four years of college-prep English, three years of college-prep math, two years of college-prep science, two years of foreign language, one year of visual and performing arts and one year of a college-prep elective. The PACE report details numerous strategies employed at Santa Fe and Pioneer high schools, which are both Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) National Demonstration Schools, employing the college-readiness elective on a schoolwide basis