What will it take to get more high school graduates to continue their education?

Idaho’s leaders want more high school graduates to continue their education.

But Idaho faces challenges, rooted in its geography, its economy and its culture.

What will it take to change the trends — and change the lives of Idaho’s high school graduates?

Idaho Education News reporter Kevin Richert has spent five months talking to students, teachers and policymakers about Idaho’s signature education goal, and the demographic realities that stand in the way. His in-depth series, “Obstacles and Options: Building Paths Beyond High School,” will be available at idahoednews.org, starting Nov. 26. The eight-story series will be published over four days.

On Dec. 4, Idaho Education News and Boise State University will host a town hall meeting to continue the conversation. A panel of educators, students and policymakers will talk about their plans and Idaho’s future — and take questions. The event will be held at BSU’s Special Events Center and will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Idaho EdNews will stream the event live on Facebook. Idaho Public Television and Boise State Public Radio will rebroadcast.

Here’s an outline for the series:

MONDAY:

In order to reach its “60 percent goal,” Idaho will need to reinvent itself. And rethink success.

In Weiser, graduates look at going on — and, probably, moving out.

TUESDAY: Idaho has spent $133 million, and counting, to help high school graduates continue their education. Will all this money bridge Idaho’s demographic gaps? Or reinforce them?

For Hispanic students — Idaho’s largest minority — college access often hinges on college affordability.

WEDNESDAY: In rural communities, career-technical education emerges as a pathway to the workplace — and a way to make college more affordable.

In Mini-Cassia, a competitive labor market creates a unique learning opportunity for students.

THURSDAY: The 60 percent goal defines a target, while trivializing the challenge. In many households, education beyond high school is seen as unaffordable and unnecessary.

Native American students lag behind their classmates on many education metrics — but there are glimmers of hope.

Idaho EdNews Staff

Idaho EdNews Staff

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