Successful Kids = Strong CommunitiesSharon Morris, Co State Library

Sparking ConnectionsALD Staff Development Day

October 10, 2011

10 of 24 at reading level or above

14 struggle with reading

8 of 24 at reading level or above

Colorado 8th Graders:

16 of 24 (2/3) test below

reading level

# of 24 students to graduate in four years?

18

6

Colorado drop out rate for 2009, 27.7%.

1 in 4 students drop out of high school

5 community college – 2 will need remedial help as freshmen

4 to four-year college or university – 1 will need remedial help

$1 Billion Annually

College

Of 24 original students, an average of five will graduate from college in 4-5 year time frame.

They will make over $1 million dollars more than the high school graduate over a forty year period.

Dropping Out – A closer look

15% less likely to be employedEarn 30% less that those with diploma/GED

Less healthyDie at younger age

Higher risk of entanglement with criminal justice system

More likely to have children at a younger age

Dropping Out – Cost to society15% less likely to be employedEarn 30% less that those with diploma/GEDWill not contribute as many taxes as othersMore likely to need social welfare assistance

Less healthyDie at younger ageNeed more health resources; not as likely to have health insurance – Medicaid costs

Higher risk of entanglement with criminal justice systemCost of corrections for inmates costs millions

More likely to have children at a younger ageCreates a cycle of poverty and low education among children (unless there is intervention by them or externally)

NationallyIf we cut the dropout rate in half…

we could gain back $45 billion annually.