Even the stubborn graduation gaps among students of color have closed dramatically. The four-year graduation gap between Hispanic and White students closed from 16 percent to 5 percent. Between Black and White students, it closed from 15 percent to 0 percent.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s behind the Tacoma turnaround? It all started in 2010 when hundreds of citizens and community organizations came together \u2014\u00a0parents and educators, early learning and higher education, youth and community service, business and labor, civic and philanthropic, local government and communities of faith. Together, we forged a bold, ambitious, measurable and time-bound goal:<\/p>\n

By the Class of 2020, we will increase by 50 percent both the graduation rate of Tacoma Public Schools students and those who complete a college degree or technical certificate.<\/strong>\u00a0Success will require measuring and closing gaps in access, opportunities and achievement for all students, from cradle to college and career.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The goal assumes shared responsibility with parents, educators AND community that was firmly planted in an unwavering belief in the potential of\u00a0every\u00a0child to succeed, regardless of background. The Graduate Tacoma movement was born.<\/p>\n

Today, more than 240 diverse partners have identified and agreed to a common set of student and community indicators we measure in our pursuit of the community\u2019s shared goal. Four collaborative action networks create data-driven action plans to hit their shared targets. The focus is on developing collective, credible and transparent ways to measure progress and improve student outcomes:<\/p>\n

Early Learning and Reading Network (ELRN)
\n<\/strong>Enrollment in preschool, readiness for kindergarten and early-grade reading are all showing signs of progress. In addition to an array of early-grade reading initiatives, the ELRN supports child care providers and preschool teachers in helping to increase the number of children demonstrating the developmental characteristics of entering kindergarteners. The network is focusing collective action on boosting elementary student attendance and reducing chronic absence. It also has established neighborhood transition teams between preschool providers and the 30 neighborhood elementary schools to ensure a smooth path to kindergarten and a consistent understanding of the developmental needs of each of the students.<\/p>\n

Tacoma STEAM Learning Network (TSLN)
\n<\/strong>Graduate Tacoma\u2019s newest network, the Tacoma STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Learning Network was formed in 2017, partly in response to the skills gap that is resulting in more than 23,000 unfilled Washington jobs, most of which are in the STEM fields. This gap represents a promising opportunity in Tacoma, especially for students of color and those living in poverty. We added an A for Arts, in line with the community\u2019s belief that arts nurture creativity and problem-solving abilities. With a sharp focus on equity, TSLN works to increase access to and interest in STEAM opportunities. This network is aligned with Washington STEM\u2019s priorities to foster partnerships, eliminate the duplication of work and increase student achievement.<\/p>\n