Equity Landscape Report: Exploring Equity Gaps in Washington Postsecondary Education. Higher Education and the Labor Market

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55

Equal Education; Achievement Gap; Postsecondary Education; Labor Market; Educational Policy; Educational Strategies; Outcomes of Education; Educational Attainment; Educational Assessment; Gender Differences; Racial Differences; American Indian Students; Asian American Students; African American Students; Pacific Islanders; Multiracial Persons; White Students; Enrollment; Dual Enrollment; Low Income Students; College Bound Students; Scholarships; College Applicants; Student Financial Aid; Graduation Rate; Transfer Rates (College)

Equity gaps in our society have existed and persisted over time. Recent events have further emphasized racial injustices in society. The disproportionate health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on people of color have exacerbated existing inequities, leading to renewed calls for social justice. The COVID-19 crisis is also shedding light on stark equity gaps in education that limit opportunities for social and economic mobility. This report examines disparities in postsecondary education in Washington that must be addressed in order to confront persistent inequities. This report compiles existing data to provide an overview of equity gaps in postsecondary education in Washington to inform policy discussions and develop effective strategies. For each student outcome measure, the authors present outcomes for Washington students overall, followed by a breakdown by gender, race, and income. The first section of the report details current educational attainment levels in Washington and describes progress towards the state attainment goal. Next, findings are presented on high school student outcomes to assess equity in postsecondary access. The authors then turn to postsecondary enrollment patterns, followed by several metrics of postsecondary success. Then, labor market outcomes are examined to understand how unemployment and earned income compares for different groups in Washington. Finally, the report concludes with a discussion of findings and some strategies for narrowing equity gaps in postsecondary education.

ERIC

2021

ED613344