Central Iowa youth are academically successful and have a plan for their future.


Success in school is key to a bright future.  Students can take many paths after high school, including post-secondary education, career training, or work.  It all starts with a diploma.
 

Key Indicators of Education Success

 

Chronic Absence

  • Percent of central Iowa students who are chronically absent during the school year
  • EQUITY LENS: Percent of central Iowa students who are chronically absent during the school year by race; income level; English language learners

3rd Grade Reading Proficiency

  • Percent of central Iowa 3rd graders proficient on Iowa’s state assessment for reading 
  • EQUITY LENS: Percent of central Iowa 3rd graders proficient on Iowa’s state assessment for reading by race; income level; English language learners

8th Grade Reading Proficiency

  • Percent of central Iowa 8th graders proficient on Iowa’s state assessment for reading
  • EQUITY LENS: Percent of central Iowa 8th graders proficient on Iowa’s state assessment for reading by race; income level; English language learners

High School Graduation

  • Central Iowa 5-year Graduation rate
  • EQUITY LENS: Central Iowa graduation rate by race; income level; English language learners

College & Career Readiness

  • Percent of central Iowa students who took college level post-secondary, advanced coursework, or Career & Technical Education
  • Percent of central Iowa students who have a plan for after graduation
  • EQUITY LENS: College & Career Readiness for central Iowa students by race; income level; English language learners

The diverse populations listed above are examples where inequities/disparities/gaps have been identified within our community, and data is available at either the state or county level. United Way of Central Iowa recognizes inequities/disparities/gaps exist in multiple areas for many people in our community. If inequities/disparities/gaps can be demonstrated by our funded partners for additional populations, that data will be considered as well.

Strategies

  • ES1: Improve student success for K-12
  • ES2: Increase student access to quality, culturally relevant activities/programs to promote learning, positive social emotional wellness, and reduce school absences for students K-12
  • ES3: Promote successful transitions into and out of middle school
  • ES4: Increase student access to career exploration, activities, and awareness
  • ES5: Increase high school students who graduate with a plan for the future
  • Advocacy: Policies and practices are implemented to improve Education systems and provide equitable access to central Iowa youth

Strategies and Examples of Performance Measures:

The Performance Measures (PM) below are potential measures of program outcomes. Programs may report Performance Measures on any targeted populations they serve, based on:

  • Race/ethnicity
  • Gender identity
  • Sexual orientation
  • Income level
  • Ability status
  • English Language Learners
  • Refugee status
  • Criminal background

ES1: Improve student success for K-12

  • PM: Number of students served
  • PM: Number/percent of students who complete a nationally recognized career interest survey
  • PM: Number/percent of students who are not failing any academic course
  • PM: Number/percent of students who graduate from high school
  • PM: Number/percent of students who are chronically absent from school

ES2: Increase access to quality, culturally relevant, and engaging activities/programs to promote learning, positive social emotional wellness and reduce school absences for K-12 students

  • PM: Number of students served
  • PM: Number/percent of students who are chronically absent from school
  • PM: Number/percent of students who report participating in 1 or more extra-curricular activities
  • PM: Program Quality Assessment Score (YPQA or other tool)

ES3: Promote successful transitions into and out of middle school

  • PM: Number of students served
  • PM: Number/percent of students who report participating in 1 or more extra-curricular activities

ES4: Increase K-12 student access to career exploration, activities, and awareness

  • PM: Number of students served
  • PM: Number/percent of students who complete program/activity
  • PM: Number/percent of students who demonstrate increased awareness

ES5: Increase high school students who graduate and have a plan for the future

  • PM: Number of high school students served
  • PM: Number/percent of students who graduate
  • PM: Number/percent of students who have a plan beyond high school