30 years ago, America was the leader in quantity and quality of high school diplomas. Today, our nation is ranked 36th in the world.

A 3rd grade student who reads at the appropriate reading level compared to a 3rd grade student who does not is 4 time more likely to graduate by age 19. Futhermore, a student living in poverty is 13 times less likely to graduate on time.

In schools made up of 75% or more low-income students, there are 3 times the number of out-of-field teachers than in wealthier school districts. High schools are not preparing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel after graduation. Only 1 in 4 high school students graduate college-ready in the 4 core subjects of English, Reading, Math, and Science.

Teacher quality is one of the most significant factors related to student achievement. In the U.S., 14% of new teachers resign by the end of their first year, 33% leave within their first 3 years, and almost 50% leave by their 5th year. (Source DoSomething.org).