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Education in Washington
rank
26
The early years of a child’s life lay the foundation for lifelong success. Establishing the conditions that promote educational achievement for children is critical, beginning with quality prenatal care and continuing through the early elementary years. Adolescence also represents a pivotal window for growth and developmental opportunities that equip youth to remain on track to graduate from high school, pursue postsecondary education and training and successfully transition to adulthood. Yet our country continues to have significant gaps in educational achievement by race and income among all age groups of child development. Closing these gaps will be key to ensuring the nation’s future workforce can compete on a global scale.
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Young children (ages 3 and 4) not in school (2018-22)
High-quality preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds help set the stage for future skill development, well-being and learning, particularly for those from low-income housholds. These programs play an important role in preparing children for success and lead to higher levels of educational attainment, career advancement and earnings. Although Head Start and the expansion of state-funded programs since the 1990s have greatly increased access to preschool and kindergarten, many kids — especially 3-year-olds and children living in low-income families — continue to be left out, exacerbating socioeconomic differences in educational achievement.
American Indian or Alaska Native
S: Data are suppressed.
Asian and Pacific Islander
Black or African American
S: Data are suppressed.
Hispanic or Latino
Non-Hispanic White
Two or more races
Total
Fourth graders not proficient in reading (2022)
By fourth grade, children are expected to use reading to learn other subjects. Therefore, mastery of reading at this level becomes important for students to keep up academically. Children who reach fourth grade without being able to read proficiently are more likely to struggle academically and eventually drop out of school. Low reading proficiency also can reduce earning potential and chances for career success as adults. Although there have been improvements since the early 1990s, progress has been slow on literacy gains, and racial and income disparities remain. Unfortunately, the pandemic has erased progress made in reading proficiency levels.
American Indian or Alaska Native
S: Data are suppressed.
Asian and Pacific Islander
Data are for Non-Hispanic children.
Black or African American
Data are for Non-Hispanic children.
Hispanic or Latino
Non-Hispanic White
Two or more races
Data are for Non-Hispanic children.
Total
Eighth graders not proficient in math (2022)
As technology continues to transform the economy, the demand grows for a workforce with aligned math and science skills and training that can keep pace with technological advancement. Students with strong math and science skills are more likely to graduate from high school, attend and complete college, earn higher incomes and take advantage of the future opportunities available to them. Basic math skills and numerical literacy help with everyday tasks and personal financial management and improve employability. Ensuring kids have early and ongoing access to high-quality math education is critical for their success in school and life.
American Indian or Alaska Native
S: Data are suppressed.
Asian and Pacific Islander
Data are for Non-Hispanic children.
Black or African American
Data are for Non-Hispanic children.
Hispanic or Latino
Non-Hispanic White
Two or more races
Data are for Non-Hispanic children.
Total
High school students not graduating on time (2020–21)
A high school diploma is critical for entering today’s workforce. Students who graduate from high school on time have many more choices in young adulthood. They are more likely to pursue postsecondary education and training, make healthier decisions and engage in less risky behaviors. They also are more employable and have higher incomes than students who fail to graduate. In 2022, median annual earnings for someone without a high school diploma ($30,788) were 83% of the earnings of a high school graduate ($37,290) and 47% of the earnings of someone with a bachelor’s degree ($64,911).
