LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION - JANUARY 12, 2011 Idaho’s committed partner in Education for nearly half a century, the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation invited Dr. James Applegate to speak to lawmakers. Applegate represented the Lumina Foundation, the nation's largest private foundation committed solely to enrolling and graduating more students from college.

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Lessons Learned - Jamie MacMillan, Executive Director of the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation, reviews lessons learned from investing $400 million in Idaho’s education system.
We Need a Different Finish Line - A high school diploma alone is a ticket to join the ranks of the working poor.
Education’s Unique Power to Break Generational Poverty - A story of two sisters and the dramatic difference in the paths their descendants would take.
The Big Goal for Idaho: 1688 More Credentials & Degrees Annually by 2025 - The national goal must be to increase the percentage of Americans holding high-quality degrees & credentials from 40% to 60%--Idaho must produce 1688 more a year.
Definition of Postsecondary Success - Education after high school is a prerequisite to a middle class life, and key to a strong and fair democracy and global competitiveness.
USA is Moving Backward in Global Competitiveness - Unlike any other developed country in the world, our younger workforce is less educated than our older workforce.
Education Level and Unemployment Are Tied As Never Before - In 2009, workers with a degree had only a 1 in 20 chance of being unemployed compared to a 1 in 5 chance.
Why the Big Goal is So Important - By 2018, 30 million new jobs will require some college or above, and by 2018, 73 million jobs will require an associates or above.
Let Me Guess: Some Are Not College Material - When we say these words, we’re making decisions for kids in ways we shouldn’t be.
Low-Hanging Fruit for Idaho: Workers with Some College - Over a fourth of Idaho’s workforce does have some college but no degree. If we can get them to finish what they started, we are well on our way to success.
Idaho’s Adult Population: Significant Education Gaps - Our Latino population is fastest-growing segment, but ranks lowest in postsecondary attainment.
Why Idaho Must Achieve the Big Goal - By 2018, 61% of Idaho jobs will require postsecondary education, and Idaho will rank 3rd in the nation for its need for associate degrees.
How Can We Achieve the Goal? - Focus on making it possible for 21st Century Students to attain quality degrees and credentials through productive, high-performing systems. Accelerate students’ progress and get students out ON TIME.
Allocate Budgets Based on Preparation + Success + Productivity - Ensure students are prepared academically, financially and socially. Once we get students to campus, we keep them there through completion. Work to accelerate progress to degree and get them out on time.

STATE POLICY AGENDA TO REACH THE BIG GOAL

1. Create a Student Data System, Set Goals, and Publicly Report Progress
2. Match High School Graduation and College Placement Requirements
3. Establish a State College Outreach Network
4. Integrate Developmental Education into Degree/Credential Programs
5. Define a Common College Core with a Clear Transfer Path
6. Add Online Options to All Degree/Credential Programs
7. Expand Low-cost Pathways to Workforce Relevant Credentials
8. Design Accelerated Degree Programs
9. Provide Degree Credit Through Assessment of Prior Learning and Work Experience
10. Move Toward Funding Colleges Based on Student Completion
11. Integrate Higher Education Policy and Workforce Policy
12. Remove State Policies/Regulations that are Barriers to Completion/Productivity