Children need more support in and out of school to thrive and prepare for adult life. Although WASL scores are rising in most county districts, schools in poorer regions continue to fare worse than those in affluent ones. Most on-time graduation rates aren’t improving, and many employers remain dissatisfied with local graduates’ job skills. As schools focus on meeting expanding federal and state mandates, students receive little instruction in art, music, and other classes and activities that can improve self-esteem, personal development and academic performance. Staff in both public and private schools struggle to keep up with effective teaching methods. Outside school hours, many students lack essential support: supervision, help from families and neighbors, engaging after-school activities, access to technology and, for older adolescents, employment opportunities.
- Support extracurricular programs that give youth a chance to succeed outside the classroom and connect them to caring adults, as well as their neighborhoods and cultural communities.
- Build work experience among high-school students and prevent dropping out by combining work, internships and volunteer opportunities with classroom learning.
- Cultivate programs that enrich learning and develop leadership.
- Subsidize curriculums that are being cut from school budgets, such as art and music.
- Foster long-term mentoring and tutoring relationships.
- Identify hallmarks and best practices of good education, and nurture them in public and private schools.
- Rainier Scholars places students of color in rigorous academic programs starting in sixth grade, and provides ongoing support services to students and their families for a full decade.
- Chess Mates Foundation uses chess to teach children creative problem solving and critical thinking skills, sharpen memory and concentration, and communicate with their peers in a team atmosphere.
- Refugee and Immigrant Parent Advocacy Network helps immigrant parents understand the school system and play a more active role in their children's education.
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