Focus on Education
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Why We Focus on Education
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All young people need opportunities for leadership development, community service
and civic engagement. It is not enough to tell kids what not to do, we must show them by
example and give them the chance to make good choices as they finish their education and
transition to adulthood.
Academic achievement and school completion are as much a concern in our region as nationwide. While reading and math proficiency are improving in Oregon and Washington, in some districts only 52% of students are meeting or exceeding the benchmark scores for reading and only 50% are doing so in math. That fewer students of color achieve proficiency in math and reading than their white counterparts is known as the “Achievement Gap.” This gap in achievement widens further in high school and has shown little change since the 1990s.
Early Education
Early literacy activities are critical to a young child’s development. During the earliest developmental years, parents and caregivers need toknow how to engage children in early learning. For a smooth transition to kindergarten, parents need to know how to prepare their children for school, understand what to expect from school and learn how to advocate for their children. |
High School CompletionAn estimated 30% of youth in Washington and 33% in Oregon who start ninth grade do not complete high school. The challenges to school completion are many: the appeal of gangs, availability of drugs and alcohol, and the lack of steady relationships with caring adults. These challenges are particularly significant for homeless youth, youth involved in the juvenile justice system and youth “aging out” of foster care. Students who are not involved in any out-of-school activities are six times more likely to drop out of school by senior year, three times more likely to be suspended in sophomore or senior year and twice more likely to be arrested by senior year.
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Prioritizing Community Needs
Read more about the issues: Community Needs Assessment
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