Goal: Students graduate college-and-career ready and prepared for a lifetime of learning.

The turn of the 21st Century is more than a decade behind us, and economist predictions of an increasingly complex, global, high tech world seem mild when set against the realities of mismatched needs and skills experienced by American industry and workers in the last few years.  These experiences underscore the importance of creating an educated and versatile workforce to maintain regional economic strength and global competitiveness.  Here in Central Texas:   

• Conservative estimates show that each cohort of drop outs costs the region over $430 million dollars over the course of their lives.
• By 2018, 2 out of 3 American jobs will require at least some postsecondary education.
• By current college-ready standards, fewer than half of Central Texas High School Graduates are prepared for postsecondary education.
• Within 6 years following high school graduation, fewer than 25% of Central Texas high school graduates earn a certificate, Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.

Draft Blueprint Objective:

• By 2015, Central Texas graduation rates reach 95% or higher
• By 2015, the number of Central Texas students who are college and career ready has doubled

Action Strategies

Indicators*

Review, share and support evidence-based practices in high school reform Align & expand programs to simplify transitions to higher education and work and that increase course articulations Collaborate with industry to build on cross-disciplinary skills defined in the Texas College and Career Readiness Standards and strengthen programs in career awareness, professional skills and work-based learning Promote best practices that help students succeed after high school

First-Time 9th Graders Repeating 9th Grade 12th Graders Who Took Dual Credit, AP/IB or Tech Prep Courses Drop Out Rate (4-year Cumulative) On-Time Graduation Rate (4-year Cumulative) Minimum High School Plan Recommended High School Plan Distinguished Achievement Plan 5-Year Completion Rate (4-Year + 5-Year Cumulative) College-Ready Graduates Workforce-Ready Graduates High School Graduates Enrolling in College College Freshmen Persisting to Sophomore Year High School Graduates earning a Degree or Certificate from 2 or 4-year Colleges in Texas

*The baseline data will include some variations in academic calendar years. For further details about specific calculations please see www.theblueprintforeducationalchange.org/build/Media/2011_bfec_faq_technical_notes.pdf.

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