Our indicators

Kindergarten readiness is the foundation of the cradle-to-career continuum. It measures whether children arrive at school prepared to learn — in early literacy and numeracy, and in the social and emotional skills that make learning possible. Communities that invest in quality early childhood programs see stronger outcomes at every stage that follows.

Reading proficiently by the end of third grade is one of the strongest predictors of later academic success and economic mobility. It marks the shift from learning to read to reading to learn, and it shows communities where targeted literacy support will do the most good.

Middle grade math is the gateway to advanced coursework, postsecondary options, and careers in high-demand fields. Tracking achievement through the middle grades helps communities find gaps while there is still time to close them before high school.

A high school diploma is the threshold credential for nearly every path that follows it. We track graduation rates and work with communities on the supports — attendance, mentoring, credit recovery — that keep students on track to earn one.

Enrollment counts the graduates who go on to college, technical training, or another credential program. In rural places, distance, cost, and an unfamiliar application process stop students who are academically ready, which makes advising and transition support decisive.

Enrolling is not the same as finishing. Completion tracks the students who earn a degree or credential — the point at which postsecondary education begins to pay off in earnings and stability — and shows whether the supports around students are holding all the way through.

Employment closes the continuum, and it is the measure families care about most: whether young people find work that can support a life. It ties every earlier indicator back to the economy young people are actually entering.