The Florida State Board of Education members have approved ambitious academic goals, including the goal to increase the proportion of Florida high school graduates who attend college.
Among the targeted metrics is public high school student’s postsecondary continuation, or college-going rates. About 61.5% of high school graduates in 2015 attended a state college or university, district technical center or private, non-profit (ICUF) institution within 12 months, the approved goal is 66.5% — a 5% increase.
The approved plan also included several goals and metrics pertaining to K-12 and higher education through the 2019-20 school year.
During the meeting, both Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart and Florida College System Chancellor Madeline Pumariega said the goal is necessary to ensure the state strengthens its talent pipeline and boosts the number of postsecondary credentials students earn to prepare themselves for future jobs.
Click here for coverage of the strategic plan from the Tampa Bay Times and here to view the meeting materials from the State Board of Education meeting.