This commentary explores pedagogical, societal, and political aspects of the college/career readiness reform movement as it impacts students in secondary classrooms. The authors begin with a snapshot of the students often left in the shadows of educational reform efforts, leaving them academically underprepared and destined for college developmental education. Then, the authors share their perspective related to the potential of the Common Core State Standards to raise student achievement and close achievement gaps. Finally, they highlight college preparation programs that seek to address this gap, along with promising practices supporting the aspirations of these students to pursue educational opportunities beyond secondary school.