Digest of Education Statistics Released: The Institute of Education Sciences released its Digest of Education Statistics 2019, a comprehensive compilation of statistical information for all levels of education. Included in the Digest are seven chapters, such as elementary and secondary education, postsecondary education, federal funds for education and related activities, and outcomes of education, among others. Here are some of the key findings from the report:
- Between 2000 and 2018, the secondary dropout rate decreased from 10.9% to 5.7%.
- The number of Hispanic students enrolled in a postsecondary institution increased from 4% to 20% between 1976 and fall 2018. Also during this time, Black student enrollment at postsecondary institutions increased from 10% to 13%.
- Between 2009 and 2019, the percentage of 25- to 29-year-olds who completed at least high school increased from 89% to 94%, and the percentage who had completed a bachelor's or higher degree increased from 31% to 39%.
Report on Work-based Learning for Communities of Color: The Aspen Institute released a report highlighting the benefits of work-based learning for people of color. The researchers investigated four organizations who engage young adults of color and employers to create and manage work-based learning opportunities. They also show how practitioners have tailored these experiences to meet the needs of the learners, as well as strategies to help employers develop, structure and support work-based learning opportunities.
Data Quality and Use Policy Benchmark Tool Released: Advance CTE, in partnership with Education Strategy Group, released a new Career Readiness Data Quality and Use Policy Benchmark Tool. This tool is designed to assist state leaders in strengthening the quality and use of their career readiness data. Resources in the toolkit include:
- A roadmap to navigate core elements of a high-quality career readiness data ecosystem;
- Six case studies of best practices for improving data quality;
- A needs assessment to evaluate policy and practice at the state or system level;
- A strategic action plan for the effective collection and use of data and for addressing pressing data quality challenges; and
- A repository with tools, templates and models to help with the implementation of the action plans.
Resources for College and Career Readiness Pathways and Measures: A new report from the Alliance for Excellent Education describes the results of a national scan of graduation pathways that are currently in effect and shares how policymakers can create graduation pathways that are focused on rigor, quality, and equitable access and opportunity for all. The authors report that 29 states offer multiple pathways to a high school diploma but caution against offering too many pathway options, which can create confusion and inequities.
The Alliance also released a collection of fact sheets, which evaluate three policy areas that states have used in advancing their career readiness efforts: high school graduation pathways, competency education policies and state accountability systems. Two of the key findings from this collection include:
- 19 states offer career-focused graduation pathways, and of those 19 states, 17 states require students to show competency in order to complete the pathway, usually through a career-related assessment.
- 35 states and D.C. include a college and career readiness indicator in their accountability systems; however, students only need to meet one college or career readiness measure to be deemed “ready.” According to the authors, this does not accurately capture readiness, which can lead to inequitable access to high-quality opportunities for college and career preparation.
Comments