2014 National Convening Skills Presenations Portland Plan | Page 41

Thriving Educated Youth

2035 Objectives

1

Success at each stage of growth: All youth enter school ready to learn and continue to succeed
academically, emotionally and socially, so they graduate from high school and attain post-secondary
degrees or certificates and achieve self-sufficiency by age 25.

2

High school graduation rate: Disparities in graduation rates among youth of color, immigrants and
refugees, youth with disabilities and youth in poverty are eliminated. All students are well-prepared for
life after high school, and graduation rates are 90–100 percent for all students. See Educated Youth in the
Measures of Success for more information.

3

Post-secondary participation and success: Ninety to 100 percent of Portland high school graduates
successfully complete post-secondary education, vocational training or workplace apprenticeships. Youth
of color, immigrants and refugees, youth in poverty, English Language Learning (ELL) youth, youth with
disabilities, and first generation college students successfully complete and attain post-secondary degrees
or certificates at the same rate as all other students.

4

Healthy neighborhoods: All youth live in safe and supportive neighborhoods with quality affordable
housing. Comprehensive, coordinated support systems exist inside and outside of the classroom, including
mentors, opportunities for physical activity and healthy eating, affordable transit, public safety, workforce
training and employment opportunities.

5

Strong systems and partnerships: Schools and colleges, public agencies, community-based
organizations, and businesses align efforts and resources to support youth success through mutually
beneficial partnerships (including but not limited to mentorships) within a coordinated system along the
Cradle to Career continuum.

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Wellness: Youth of all ages live free from violence and have access to affordable, healthy food at home
and in school. Safe and affordable transportation options, multiple opportunities for indoor and outdoor
daily physical activity, and comprehensive health services that address their physical, mental, emotional and
sexual health are readily available for all youth.

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10

Stable programs: The Oregon State tax system is structured to provide stable, adequate funding for
excellence in curriculum and teaching quality for all of Portland’s school districts. Innovative local funding is
welcomed as needed to help fill the gaps in educational objectives.

Youth voice: Young people have multiple opportunities to meaningfully participate in decisions that affect
their lives, and policymakers value and consider youth perspectives before decisions are made.
Learning environments: All indoor and outdoor learning environments are designed to stimulate
creativity, meet safety and accessibility regulations, and offer multiple community-serving functions.
Portland’s investment in education reflects the view that schools are honored places of learning for all
community members.

Lifelong learning: Portlanders, regardless of age or ability, have opportunities to continue their education
and thrive as lifelong learners and valued resources to the community.

www.pdxplan.com | April 2012

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