Educational Attainment: A Pathway to Prosperity
Access to quality education continues to be a vital link to economic well-being. By 2020, 64 percent of jobs in the U.S. will require education beyond high school, and 35 percent of jobs will require a bachelor’s degree or higher. A longitudinal study of Texas eighth graders found that only 20 percent of students studied earned a postsecondary degree, compared with less than 10 percent of low-income and underserved students.[1] In Dallas County, only 13 percent of high school students graduate ready to succeed in a post-secondary educational environment.
Because 80 percent of Texas K–12 students are staying within their local communities after high school graduation, it becomes apparent that these educational barriers affect not only individuals and their families, but the neighborhoods in which they live, particularly those that are low- and moderate-income.[2]
This forum explored promising practices, programs and policies that are working to improve the educational outcomes and ultimately, the financial well-being of young people, their families and their communities. Speakers highlighted the important link between access to educational opportunity and a strong and vibrant economy. See the full agenda below.
Agenda
Tuesday, February 23 | |
7:15 a.m. |
Registration and Breakfast |
7:45 a.m. |
Welcome |
7:50 a.m. |
Address |
8:10 a.m. |
Student Success and Leadership Spotlight: Educate Texas 20 by 2020 Student Success Plan Spotlight: Tracking Eighth Graders’ Post-Secondary Outcomes |
8:30 a.m. |
Out of School Time: Access to Quality Learning Opportunities Outside the Classroom Spotlight: Dallas City of Learning |
8:45 a.m. |
Collective Impact: Aligning for Success Spotlight: Equity and Excellence |
9:05 a.m. |
Panel Discussion |
9:35 a.m. |
Introducing Year Up! |
9:45 a.m. |
Adjourn |
Resources
- A New Measure of Educational Success in Texas: Tracking the Success of 8th Graders into and Through College,” National Center for Higher Education Management Systems.
- “20 by 2020 Student Success Plan: A Bold Vision for Transforming Texas Public and Higher Education,” Educate Texas.