Grad Nation: Building a Grad Nation, Progress and Challenge in Ending the High School Dropout Epidemic, 2019-2020 Annual Update

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and protests against systemic racism have shaken the nation in recent months. While the data presented in this report for the 2017–18 school year predated these crises, these events have further highlighted the glaring opportunity and achievement gaps in education for students of color and from various backgrounds. In addition to presenting an update to the nation on progress and challenge in increasing high school graduation rates on a path to postsecondary and workforce readiness, this report also addresses some of the gaps, barriers, and innovations seen across school systems to strengthen the nation’s educational response to these crises and help prepare for those in the future. It also unveils a “Meeting the Moment” plan of action to reach national goals and to ensure that these moments of crisis are used to re-envision education and to leverage what is most important to boost academic and other outcomes for children and youth.