Community PartnershiP rePort

2014

A BOLD VISION FOR EDUCATION

The top twenty-five percent of students in Anchorage graduate on time and go on to attend some of the best colleges in the country. Their SAT and ACT scores are higher than the national average. Eighth graders are reading above national averages, graduation rates have improved to 76 percent and in a recent study, 88 percent of parents would recommend their child’s school. Yet hard work still needs to be done to improve the outcomes for the remaining students. The dramatic influx of new languages and cultures into Anchorage over the past decade has made the educational landscape more complex, five percent of students in the district are homeless and a quarter of students change schools at least once per year. While our graduation rates are rising, we are not producing a workforce with the size or strength needed to fuel our economy and local business.

Our schools cannot do it alone. To continue to improve the quality of life for our children and the future and viability of Anchorage, we need to target the community, family and environmental factors that impact children’s learning. The 90% by 2020 Partnership stepped up its efforts and rigor this past summer to tackle the challenges existing outside of the classroom and work alongside the Anchorage School District to improve outcomes for all of our children. It is not a program, but a way in which our community is coming together around a cradle to career vision, organizing to identify what gets results for children. We will improve and build upon these efforts over time and invest the community’s resources differently to increase our collective impact.

This 90% by 2020 report shares data for educational and community indicators that will be used to assess what is working and to identify where we need to target our efforts. This data will guide our course of action, alignment and how we measure impact as we work together to drive change in education.

I invite you to join us in building a strong future for our children, and our city.

Andrew HalcroChair, 90% by 2020 Leadership Team

CoLLaBorationFOR COMMUNITY

SUCCESS

WHY IT MATTERS

Prepared WorkforceHigh school graduates are more likely to be employed and live above the poverty line; in fact, they will make at least half a million dollars more in lifetime earnings than a dropout. Increased access to college, vocational school and career training means that young adults are better prepared to enter the workforce and they will have more career options available to them.

Economic Benefits Higher employment rates and earnings result in increased annual spending and investment in the local economy and a reduced demand on welfare and public services. With a 90 percent graduation rate statewide, we could see $22 million in increased annual earnings and an increase of $23 million in the gross state product of Alaska; with 41 percent of the state’s population in Anchorage, the impact would be significant for the city’s economy.

Safer Community Youth who develop healthy life skills are less likely to engage in drug use and criminal behaviors, leading to reduced crime rates and a safer community. High school graduates are up to six times less likely than dropouts to report ever having been arrested.

Community EnrichmentYoung adults who are able to experience academic and personal success are able to break cycles of unemployment, poverty and poor health within their immediate and extended communities. High school graduates are more likely to be civically engaged, participate in volunteerism and community service.

Goals• From birth, Anchorage children are prepared to successfully

enter school.• Anchorage children and youth succeed academically and

graduate high school ready for success in postsecondary training or higher education and the workforce.

• Anchorage youth access and complete postsecondary training or higher education to prepare for a successful career.

• Anchorage children and youth are healthy, and they develop life skills, attitudes and behaviors that prime them to succeed and enrich the community.

OutcomesThere are many places along the pathway from cradle to career where children are at risk for dropping out or falling behind – points where targeted support and intervention could make the difference in keeping a child on track for success. The 90% by 2020 Leadership Team has chosen to focus our energy and efforts on six key indicators:

Sources: Everyone Graduates Center,

Johns Hopkins; America’s Promise:

Grad Nation

WHAT WE ARE WORKING TOWARD Anchorage children and youth: Ready. Successful. Prepared for Life.

A RIGOROUS APPROACHFor years, education advocacy groups have been working hard to improve student learning and performance while community providers have been offering non-academic supports. Real progress has been made, though much of the work has been isolated with disconnected objectives, measurement and action and little ability to scale results. By aligning goals, resources, workplans and measurements, we are creating a coordinated and concentrated impact that would not be possible for individual groups to do on their own.

The 90% by 2020 Leadership Team is a group of more than 40 of Anchorage’s business, education, nonprofit and community leaders who are driving this effort with United Way of Anchorage providing backbone support to coordinate participants, build public will, mobilize funding and engage volunteers. Through collective impact, we are bringing individuals and organizations from different sectors together to unite alongside schools and families in addressing the issues that undermine student performance. Through partnership and collaboration, we are creating a culture of community ownership for child and student success.

90% by 2020’s focus is driven by local data and informed by community expertise and national research. Our goals, decisions and action plans are based on objective, measurable information. Agencies, organizations and individuals who engage in the work commit to sharing data and measurements and hold one another accountable for results. We will regularly report on the progress of key metrics through our annual report card, forums, and community conversations.

Strive Together Cradle to Career Network90% by 2020 is a member of the national Strive Together Cradle to Career Network comprised of communities who [1] commit to work toward achieving quality benchmarks for building and sustaining cradle to career civic infrastructure and [2] actively participate in a community of learning and practice with their peers in which knowledge is shared and created. These communities are embracing collective impact, an innovative approach with high levels of coordination among multiple partners and stakeholders and a strong emphasis on data-driven decision making.

90% by 2020 is an independent partnership built on lessons learned nationally to address the unique challenges and opportunities existing here in Anchorage.

Disorder & Confusion

Isolation Alignment Collective Impact

OUR FOCUS: THE CRADLE TO CAREER PATHWAY

* EDS represents Economically Disadvantaged Students, defined as a subgroup of students who are eligible for the free and reduced lunch programs as determined by income and eligibility levels set by the federal government.

Ready For Kindergarten The early years are crucial - from birth to age five, brain development occurs at an astounding rate. Children are developing fundamental skills and responses in early childhood that build strong foundations for reading, counting and social interactions.

The Alaska Developmental Profile (ADP) is a state-mandated assessment given to all incoming kindergartners within the first four weeks of school to measure 13 indicators in five domains of early learning. A score of “0” (does not demonstrate), “1” (progressing) or “2” (consistently demonstrates) is given for each indicator. The 90% by 2020 Partnership selected a benchmark of a combination of “1’s” and “2’s” with at least one “2” and no “0’s” as a measure of “ready for kindergarten.”

3rd Grade Reading Proficiency Reading at grade level is one of the strongest predictors of later success in school. Students reading at or above grade level in the earlier grades graduate from high school and attend college at higher rates than peers reading below grade level.

The Standards Based Assessment (SBA) is a state-mandated annual test used to determine if students are meeting statewide performance standards. Students are proficient in 3rd grade reading if they receive a score of “proficient” or “advanced.” 2014 is the last year the state will use the SBA; a new assessment tool is being developed for 2015.

EDSEDS*

NON-EDSNON-EDS 2013

2013

66%69%

62%

% rEADY fOr kINDErgArTEN

79%

53%

92%

73%

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20112012

84%

‘11‘ 12 ‘13

85% 85%

2011 2012 2013

2013

%

777980

74

8285

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91

% Of 3rD grADErS PrOfICIENT IN rEADINg

CRAYON

On Track to Graduate (9th Grade) As students transition into high school, it is an essential time to assess the factors that can put them at risk for dropout including attendance, discipline, grades and course completion.

Students who are “on track” have zero “at risk” indicators in the four areas of chronic absence, GPA of 2.0 or lower, more than four suspensions and one or more F’s in core courses. Students who are “at-risk” have two or more indicators.

8th Grade Math Proficiency Proficiency in middle school math is an important predictor for high school persistence, academic achievement, college attainment and general preparedness for the workforce.

The Standards Based Assessment (SBA) is a state-mandated annual test used to determine if students are meeting statewide performance standards. Students are proficient in 8th grade math if they receive a score of “proficient” or “advanced.” 2014 is the last year the state will use the SBA; a new assessment tool is being developed for 2015.

%

45

48

68

80

39

5965

2011 2012 2013

57%55%

59%

EDS NON-EDS

44% 71%

EDS NON-EDS

51% 81%

2011 2012 2013

67% 69% 67%

2013

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% Of 8TH grADErS PrOfICIENT IN mATH % Of 9TH grADErS ON TrACk TO grADuATE

2013

High School Graduation High school graduation is a strong predictor of financial achievement, success and health for our youth and is a precursor to college enrollment. In turn, increasing the number of graduates strengthens our city’s economy, vitality and sustainability.

The graduation rate represents the percent of high school students who graduate from high school within four years and were awarded a diploma. Through 2014, students were also required to pass a High School Graduation Qualifying Exam (HSGQE) to receive a diploma.

Postsecondary Education, Training, CareerPostsecondary degrees are more valuable than ever as the workforce is shifting to careers requiring a strong technical knowledge foundation; associate and advanced degrees and technical certifications are valuable in this knowledge-based economy.

Discussion is underway to select indicators for the outcomes of:

• workforce readiness

• college readiness

• college enrollment and completion

It is important to select indicators with reliable and timely data that can be disaggregated, analyzed and mined for information that drives action.

This will be a focus for the work of the partnership in the coming year.

2011 2012 2013

EDS NON-EDS

62% 83%

72% 73% 76%

%

64

54

82

64

7384

68

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% Of 9TH grADErS ON TrACk TO grADuATE ANCHOrAgE SCHOOl DISTrICT 4-YEAr grADuATION rATES

2013

For each of the six indicators, this report presents and uses 2011-13 data for all students, as well as data for 2013 disaggregated into multiple subgroups, including Economically Disadvantaged Students (EDS) and Non-Economically Disadvantaged Students (non-EDS), as well as the seven categories of race and ethnicity composition as reported by the Anchorage School District. This information is used to help us better understand our educational challenges and opportunities; it informs where we should target our future action plans and support; and it enables us to address the educational needs of the entire Anchorage community.

Ready For Kindergarten

There is overwhelming evidence that a strong foundation in the early years of life is critical to future academic success.

More brain growth occurs during the first few years of life than any other time. What happens during a child’s early development will significantly impact him throughout his lifetime and a child’s readiness for school is a powerful determinant of how he will fare in life. If children start school academically and socially behind, they will likely stay behind long-term.

Local data shows the greatest need for improvement in this indicator and there is also a tremendous community groundswell of existing coalitions in place to provide intervention and support.

8th Grade Math

The Leadership Team selected 8th grade math as a priority indicator because math proficiency rates are unacceptably low and there is already momentum among agencies and partners who are focusing on addressing underlying issues. The business sector, in particular, has an interest in supporting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) development. Both nationally and locally there is a strong belief that our future economic prosperity is closely linked with student success in the STEM fields. Eighth grade is identified as a pivotal point for ensuring that students have developed a strong foundation and preparation for the more advanced math and sciences they will encounter in high school, college and career.

In Alaska, there is a growing need for an educated and highly skilled STEM workforce; only 4.8 percent of STEM jobs in the state do not require postsecondary education in comparison to 52.6 percent of non-STEM occupations.

OUR INITIAL PRIORITIESThe Leadership Team convened in the summer of 2013 to select priority outcomes based on the following criteria:• Reliable, local data shows a critical need for improvement• Data is available to measure baseline conditions and to make it possible to continuously review and measure progress• Community momentum exists to drive action; resources and partners are engaged and poised to contribute to partnership efforts• Indicators are distributed across the continuum and not concentrated in one section

State of Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development

High School Graduation / Ready

Increasing the number of students who will stay in school and graduate in four years has been a key focus for our work along the education continuum; it is a significant milestone that caps the traditional PK-12 educational experience. Both national and local statistics demonstrate the power of a diploma when it comes to an individual’s health, income and opportunities for success.

We have seen a steady climb in Anchorage from a 59 percent four-year graduation rate in 2005 to the current rate

AttendanceIn reviewing data to establish the indicators on the Cradle to Career pathway, attendance has surfaced as a factor that impacts learning across all grade levels and subject areas. Chronic absenteeism – when a student misses at least 10 percent of the school year, just two to three days per month – is a proven early warning indicator of academic failure and, eventually, high school dropout. Students have to be present and engaged in order to learn. Local research indicates that targeting attendance in the middle school years is where our efforts will be most effective.

of 76 percent and we are on track to reach our goal of 90 percent by 2020 if we continue at this pace. In addition to the focus on producing more graduates, we are also looking at graduates’ preparation for postsecondary education and career opportunities and the impact those trends have on our workforce. We want to ensure that students are ready to pursue advanced degrees and training that will lead to employment and increased earnings, and that they will be able to fulfill the needs of our city and state’s varied businesses and industries.

76%

With Current Investment

Where We Started Where We Are Where We’ll goWith Your Help

With Increased Community Investment

WHERE WE’RE HEADEDOur work is underway! Data scoping teams have analyzed data to determine areas for measurement, assessment and impact and we are now forming Collaborative Action Networks to focus on each of the three priority areas identified by the Leadership Team. These networks will work “on the ground” to improve short-term educational outcomes, build common measures and practices among service providers, coordinate existing community resources and organizations and encourage network partners to adapt and adopt learned best practices.

In addition to the Collaborative Action Networks that are forming, four standing committees (Community Will Building, Business Engagement, Investment and Data) continue to work alongside the Leadership Team to integrate efforts, support communication and provide guidance.

GET INVOLVEDThere is a growing list of opportunities for individuals, businesses, organizations and groups to get involved through a range of engagement levels as network members, volunteers, advocates and donors. You could encourage the teenager who lives next door to try out for a role in the school play, mentor a young person who is interested in your profession or make sure that your child attends school every day. You might create an internship program at your business, advocate for quality education by writing your local or state representative or read with your child each night before she goes to bed. Each of us has a role to play. Please visit 90by2020.org to explore the possiblities.

90by2020.org

Tam Agosti-Gisler, Member | Anchorage School Board Tom Barrett, President & CEO | Alyeska Pipeline Services CompanyStephanie Berglund, President & CEO | ThreadDamian Bilbao, Business Development Manager | BPTasha Boyer, Student Representative | Anchorage School Board Margie Brown, Community Member Michele Brown, President & CEO | United Way of AnchorageHeather Cavanaugh, Corporate Communications | Alaska Communications Eric Croft, President | Anchorage School Board Cheryl Frasca, Executive Director | Education MattersDarren Franz, Alaska Regional Business Manager | Wells FargoPat Gamble, President | UAA Mary Gibbs, Philanthropy & Community Services | Conoco Phillips AlaskaCheri Gillian, Senior Vice President | First National Bank AlaskaEd Graff, Superintendent | Anchorage School DistrictMike Graham, Chief Academic Officer | Anchorage School DistrictAndrew Halcro, President | Anchorage Chamber of CommerceMike Hanley, Commissioner | Alaska Dept. of Education & Early DevelopmentAbbe Hensley, Executive Director | Best BeginningsAndy Holleman, President | Anchorage Education AssociationShirley Holloway, President | Leadership for ExcellenceAlana Humphrey, CEO | Boys & Girls Clubs Jeff Jessee, CEO | Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority

90% by 2020 is a commitment by highly engaged business, education, community and civic leaders to ensure Anchorage children and youth are ready, successful and prepared for life. Harnessing the resolve of the whole community, 90% by 2020 partners are taking action to identify, improve and align the practices and policies that lead to improved outcomes, for every child, every step of the way.

90% BY 2020 LEADERSHIP TEAM

Lacy Karpilo, Assistant Vice Chancellor | UAABillie Korsunskiy, Manager of Human Resources| Conoco Phillips Alaska Dave Kuiper, Faith Based Initiatives | Christian Health AssociatesMike Lesmann, Special Assistant to the GovernorSteve Lindbeck, CEO & General Manager | Alaska Public MediaJeannie Mackie, Community Member Lupe Marroquin, Community MemberLisa Moreno, Project Director, ARISE | Cook Inlet Tribal CouncilHilary Morgan, CEO | YWCAGloria O’Neill, President & CEO | Cook Inlet Tribal CouncilBill Popp, President & CEO |Anchorage Economic Development CorporationGreg Razo, Vice President, Government Contracting |Cook Inlet Region, Inc.Dana Rogers, Assistant Vice President | Wells FargoThelma Snow-Jackson, Community MemberSheila Selkregg, Assistant Professor | UAA Jayson Smart, Program Officer | Rasmuson FoundationTrevor Storrs, Executive Director | Alaska Children’s TrustDana Thomas, Vice President of Academic Affairs | UAA Ma’o Tosi, President | Alaska PrideAnand Vadapalli, President & CEO | Alaska CommunicationsNatasha von Imhof, Member | Anchorage School BoardDeborah Williams, Executive Director | Anchorage Youth Development Coalition

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