Although improving higher education is a goal of almost every state, few have set specific numerical goals to track progress in that area, a study by Jobs For the Future found.
“By the Numbers: State Goals for Increasing Postsecondary Attainment” is available from Jobs for the Future.
The report, released Feb. 16 by the Boston-based research and education policy group, reveals that just 23 states have set at least one numerical goal for increasing the number of students who enroll in college, stay in college, and graduate with a degree. Ten states have set goals for all three areas.
“If we’re not counting, it raises questions about our seriousness of purpose, particularly around our harder-to-serve students,” said Michael Collins, a program director at JFF and the study’s author..
Only 11 states have set any goals relating to the success rate among minority students in higher education.
