Across the nation, headlines have trumpeted soaring high-school graduation rates. Ohio is no exception. Lofty rates leave the impression that the vast majority of students are ready to take their next steps in life. But the truth is that too many students exit high school not fully prepared for college and career.
Our new study goes beyond traditional graduation rates (and state test scores) by making use of publicly available state education data that can be used to gauge the readiness of Ohio students. Analyses indicate that less than half of students exit high school well-equipped to take their next steps into college or the workforce.
Key findings for the graduating class of 2017 include:
- 26 percent meet college remediation-free benchmarks on the ACT or SAT
- 5 percent earn industry-recognized credentials while in high school
- 13 percent achieve passing scores on at least one AP exam
- 21 percent earn college credits via dual enrollment
In a first-of-its kind analysis, the report also conducts a deeper dive at regional and county levels. Based on these data, counties are assigned rankings that allow communities to see how readiness in their county compares to other parts of the state.
Click on the report link to view the readiness data from your region and county. We hope this report will spark conversations across Ohio communities about how to improve the postsecondary readiness of Ohio’s young men and women.
