Education strategies to improve outcomes by adolescence

How do outcomes in elementary and middle school affect economic mobility?

Reading at grade level by third grade is among the strongest predictors of high school graduation and college attendance. ^{1 2}

Until the end of third grade, children are learning to read. Starting in fourth grade, they are reading to learn. After third grade, struggling readers have difficulty comprehending curriculum materials, diminishing their ability to keep up with classmates and reducing their overall academic motivation.

Reading interventions before third grade increase adolescent and adult literacy. ³

For 85-90 percent of poor readers, evidence-based programs implemented before third grade can increase skills to grade level. If interventions are delayed until children are nine years or older, 75 percent of below average readers will continue to have literacy problems through high school and adulthood.

Middle school math performance is a strong predictor of future academic and professional success. ^{4 5}

Students who complete algebra by 8th grade attend college at higher rates than students who do not complete algebra.

Completing algebra early has a positive impact on highly mobile career trajectories. ⁶

The earlier that students are able to complete algebra, the earlier they are able to move on to more advanced math coursework. This has strong implications for career trajectory, particularly the ability to pursue STEM majors in college.

Strong high school math accomplishment helps students avoid remedial coursework in college. ^{7 8}

Between 60 and 70 percent of entering freshman in community colleges enroll in remedial coursework, with the majority of these students needing remediation in math. 40 percent of students in remedial courses at two-year colleges and 25 percent of students in four-year colleges do not complete their degree.