Barth, Feinberg, Levin — Measuring Outcomes Beyond High School: Why Schools Must Raise The Bar In Helping Students Attain Choice-Filled Lives

Barth, Feinberg, Levin — Measuring Outcomes Beyond High School: Why Schools Must Raise the Bar in Helping Students Attain Choice-Filled Lives

Educators in the United States have various educational approaches and philosophies. However, they generally agree on the importance of equipping students with the skills and opportunities to make choices in their lives. Surprisingly, most K-12 schools and systems do not measure or report any student outcomes beyond high school graduation.

As the leaders of KIPP, a public charter school network that serves almost 90,000 students from underserved communities in 20 states and supports 12,000 alumni in college, we have witnessed the immense potential and power of children since our founding in 1994. We have also recognized the numerous challenges that young people, especially those from underserved communities, face as they pursue their passions and futures. Through staying connected with our students and supporting them throughout their journeys, we have gained valuable insights. This is why we strongly emphasize discussing college completion and career preparation.

While there is ongoing debate about the merits of a college education, we firmly believe that young people in America have better prospects for leading choice-filled lives with a college degree. Research consistently shows that college graduates have higher earning potential, greater civic engagement, and increased access to healthcare compared to those without a bachelor’s degree. Studies have also indicated that the impact of a college degree on adult income levels is greater for students from underserved communities than their more affluent peers.

Therefore, it is more beneficial for families, educators, and civic, business, and political leaders to know how schools and school systems are performing in terms of post-secondary outcomes for all students, rather than grading them solely based on test scores. While college may not be the ideal path for every student, the essential skills required to succeed in college are advantageous for all students. K-12 school systems should focus on preparing their children to have the freedom to choose their post-secondary paths. Critical thinking, social intelligence, grit, and other strengths are vital for our students in school, the workplace, and their adult lives. These are also the qualities that colleges and employers seek.

Currently, there is an evident gap in college completion rates in the United States, primarily linked to income. Researchers point out that only around 9 percent of students from families in the lowest income quartile obtain a college degree, while those from the top income quartile achieve this at a rate 5 to 6 times higher. This gap has been widening over time. Many students from low-income families lack access to a high-quality college-preparatory education or college counseling. In the worst-case scenario, they enroll in college, accumulate debt, face obstacles, and drop out before earning a degree.

To support as many students as possible in achieving their dreams, we maintain communication with our former students even after they leave KIPP, whether they transition to a non-KIPP high school after middle school or graduate from a KIPP high school and pursue other paths. We monitor the progress and outcomes of our students in college, identifying factors that contribute to their success on campus. Additionally, we strive to understand the experiences of those who do not choose the college route and explore ways to empower them to lead choice-filled lives.

At KIPP, we calculate our college completion rate by considering all KIPP students who start high school, not just those who graduate. We track the college progress and outcomes for students who complete eighth grade at a KIPP middle school. For students who join KIPP in high school, we begin tracking their long-term outcomes at the end of their freshman year. This approach provides a comprehensive measure of our performance. We believe that all schools and school systems should set this as the standard and report it to the public.

According to our calculations, KIPP’s current national college completion rate for our alumni stands at 38 percent. This exceeds the national average for all students (36 percent) and is approximately four times higher than the national average for students from low-income families (around 9 percent).

While we are proud of these results, we recognize that there is room for improvement. Our immediate goal is for 50 percent or more of our alumni to earn bachelor’s degrees within six years. Looking at our oldest cohorts of alumni, we remain confident that we can achieve this goal. For those who do not pursue college, we aim to provide them with the necessary skills and opportunities to secure personally and financially rewarding jobs.

There are clear strategies that K-12 educators can employ to enhance meaningful career opportunities for young individuals. It is crucial for us to discover more effective methods of retaining students in school by assisting each child in finding their passion, purpose, and developing a plan for their future. Additionally, we must ensure that our junior and senior students are applying to the appropriate mix of colleges and are equipped to make informed financial decisions. It is equally important to identify viable alternatives for those who do not directly pursue higher education after high school.

However, K-12 schools cannot achieve this alone; institutions of higher education must also contribute. KIPP has established partnerships with 90 colleges and universities to support more students in successfully completing their college education. Many of these academic institutions are at the forefront of transforming higher education to better serve first-generation college students. They offer various programs to help students thrive on campus, increase financial aid opportunities, and facilitate peer groups for mutual support. These initiatives should be implemented across a broader range of colleges and universities.

Providing a college-preparatory education can significantly impact the lives of students from underserved communities. Yet, as educators, we must be honest about our progress in guiding more students towards a future filled with choices. To move in the right direction, it is crucial for us to hold ourselves accountable by measuring the outcomes of students who enter high school, not just those who graduate.

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