Unmet Needs and Opportunities 78%
21%
66%
of students from low-income backgrounds complete high school within four years nationwide.
of low income students attain a college degree within six years after high school.
of jobs require some form of higher education and most require at least a high school diploma.1
By addressing gaps in our education system, RISE is working to increase access and opportunity for all students.
Opportunity Gaps
The transitions to, through, and beyond high school present significant challenges for far too many students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. The research is clear: Grade 9 on-track achievement is the best predictor of on-time graduation, and myriad data speak to the value and importance of higher education. Yet opportunity gaps disproportionately affect students of color, multilingual learners, special education students, and those from low-income backgrounds during these key transitions.
Information Gaps
Schools depend on up to a dozen disparate data systems, which force educators to navigate multiple platforms while accessing information necessary to support student success. Too often, educators invest precious time in extracting data, merging data sets, and visualizing information. Schools and districts routinely experience inefficient and disconnected data systems, an overabundance of data without a clear plan on how to use it, and aggregate level access to data which is built mostly for compliance and lets individual students fall through the cracks. Ultimately, this results in persistent gaps and stagnant outcomes for students.
Structural Gaps
Connecticut, like many states, is hyperlocalized, presenting barriers to learning and collaboration across schools and districts. With just over 500,000 students spread across almost 200 districts, 83 of which serve fewer than 1,000 students each, schools and districts find themselves competing for limited resources and talent rather than working together to achieve common objectives. It is commonplace for innovation and proven practices to stay restricted within the invisible walls of district boundaries, thus preventing widespread adoption and learning that can impact students statewide. 1 Georgetown Public Policy Institute, Recovery. NSC Research Center, High School Benchmarks.
4 • 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
