For background, our cradle-to-career metrics include kindergarten readiness, 3rd-grade reading, 8th-grade math, 9th-grade success (credits earned and GPA), high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment, persistence and degree attainment, and workforce entry. In the State of Ohio, these metrics are also included in the State of Ohio School Report Cards issued by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. These data points are used to rank the progress that our schools are making.
In addition, SEI is a member of StriveTogether, a national organization of cradle-to-career backbone organizations focused on improving these same metrics in nearly 70 communities across the country. These same metrics are used by StriveTogether members to measure each community’s progress toward improving cradle-to-career outcomes, putting more of our youth on a path to economic mobility.
In terms of the relevance of these metrics, national organizations and foundations have spearheaded efforts to develop frameworks that foster a better understanding between place-based partnerships like SEI and their local communities on how to improve these outcomes. One example is the Education to Workforce Framework (E-W Framework).
The organizations that authored this framework reviewed the current research in the field and developed a set of indicators and metrics that best represent a coherent approach in supporting cradle-to-career outcomes. Through our engagement with StriveTogether, we are constantly learning how communities across the country are improving outcomes for youth.
Sincerely,
David W. James Ed.D.
