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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReg 2026-04-06 Item 5A - Handout to be Distributed at Meeting - Tukwila Promise Update• '10. The Scholar first Inc. S I UDENT—CEN 1 ERED I )I �I( IN FOR EXCELLENCE Designing for Postsecondary Success Findings from the Washington Education Roundtable (2024-2026) Executive Summary Over the past two years, the Washington State Education Roundtable — convened through a partnership between The Scholar First Inc. and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation —has engaged a diverse coalition of stakeholders to examine postsecondary success across Washington State. A central finding has emerged: too many students are navigating complex systems without clarity, resulting in misalignment between their aspirations, course -taking, and workforce demands. Expanding Access to Research -Aligned Postsecondary Pathways Students must not only enroll in postsecondary education, but enroll in pathways aligned to research and labor market value. Research shows structured programs significantly increase completion and earnings outcomes. • Enrollment without alignment limits outcomes • Structured pathways increase completion • Guided advising improves persistence • Programs must connect to high -wage careers Expanding Access to Research -Aligned Postsecondary Pathways Washington State data reinforces that postsecondary credentials significantly impact earnings and long-term economic mobility. Students must be guided into pathways aligned to both their aspirations and labor market demand. Washington State: Credential Value vs Earnings 80000 - 71) c 60000 - ,1 TIS fri 1 ▪ 40000 - 20000 - High School Associate Bachelor's Gracuate Credential Level • High school graduates earn significantly less than those with postsecondary credentials • Associate degrees provide moderate increases in earnings • Bachelor's degrees dramatically increase earning potential • Graduate degrees provide the highest long-term economic return Implication: Systems must ensure students are not only enrolling in postsecondary education, but entering aligned pathways that lead to economic mobility. Voices from Students • Students want higher expectations from adults • Students experience confusion navigating pathways • Earlier exposure to career opportunities is critical • Real -world relevance increases engagement • Belonging directly impacts success • Students need stronger self -advocacy skills Implication: Systems must be clear, relevant, and supportive so students are not navigating alone. Voices from Families • Families need clear and accessible information • Systems must be transparent and navigable • Strong communication and relationships matter • Families value both college and career readiness Implication: Families must be included as active partners in pathway design. Insights from Superintendents and K-12 Leaders • Shift from isolated initiatives to coherence • Level information and opportunity gaps • Connect readiness to purpose and identity • Expand early access and remove barriers • Align pathways to workforce needs • Use Al to expand equitable access Implication: Coherence is the primary lever for system -wide impact. Learnings from Education and Tech Leaders • Technology improves access and advising • Tools must align to a clear vision • Al can expose inequities • Technology must support relationships Implication: Use technology as an accelerator of clarity and equity. Findings from Higher Education Leaders • Students arrive underprepared for rigor • Misalignment exists between systems • Academic and non -cognitive skills matter • Focus must shift to persistence and completion Implication: Stronger alignment between K-12 and higher education is essential. Cross -Year Design Principles • Clarity of pathways drives success • Coherence across systems improves outcomes • Belonging, coupled with high academic expectations is foundational • Data must drive equity decisions • Real -world relevance increases engagement Post -secondary success is not accidental. It is designed.