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Building Student Pathways to Economic Prosperity

January 25, 2025
Parent Advocacy, School

In 2023, only 20% of Houston’s 2017 high school grads earned a living wage. But those with bachelor’s degrees (49%) or certifications (31%) are much more likely to earn a living wage.

What this Means for Students:

  • Advanced Classes Matter: Students who take 5+ advanced classes are more likely to get a degree or certification.
  • Early Success Helps: Students who meet 8th grade reading standards or finish Algebra I in 8th grade sets students up for success.
  • Credentials Lead to Better Jobs: Earning a degree or certification after high school leads to better-paying jobs.

In short, taking advanced classes and doing well early helps students get better paying jobs in the future.  What is an advanced class?  Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB ), Dual Enrollment, Dual Credit, and advanced Career Technical Education (CTE) courses.

How is Houston ISD Measuring Up:

At the January HISD school board meeting, school board members discussed their goal of increasing the percentage of 11th graders earning college credits from 33% in May 2023 to 48% by May 2028.  This year, 26% of 11th graders have already earned college credit, a positive increase from last year.  However, economically disadvantaged students, Black students, and students with disabilities saw a slight decline.

How is Houston ISD Measuring Up:

Earning college credits in high school sets students up for economic success.  HISD is improving, but it’s concerning that certain student groups are behind. We’ll be watching this closely and update you as new data comes in. Stay tuned!

Here's What You Can Do:

  • Go to parent-teacher meetings to talk about your child’s progress and advanced course options. Work with school counselors to keep your child on track
  • Encourage your child to take advanced classes (AP, IB, Dual Credit) and explore career programs (CTE) at school.Email HISD school board members to let them know it’s important for the district to prepare students for future jobs, and that you’ll be watching how they support ALL students.
  • Email HISD school board members officers include: Richard Campo (richard.campo@houstonisd.org), Audrey Momanaee  (audrey.momanaee@houstonisd.org), and Angela Lemond Flowers (angela.flowers@houston.org).

Sample Email

Feel free to use this sample email as a guide adding your own story and why public education matters to you.

Subject: Urgent Action Needed for HISD Student

Dear (school board member’s name),I saw at the last school board meeting that Black, low-income, and special education students are earning fewer college credits than other students. This is concerning because I know that earning college credits in school helps our kids get better jobs after high school.

{This is a good place to insert your or your child’s story and how it relates to this issue.}

I urge you to make sure the district helps ALL students, especially those who have been at a disadvantage, get ready for the future.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]