J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation » Go On Campaign

The big three goals.

JKAF Staff — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:09:36 +0000

Welcome! The J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation is a private family foundation committed and striving to be a catalyst for positive educational change, reform and improvement in Idaho. Our mission is to improve education in Idaho.

Currently, the Foundation’s main educational focus areas include the following:

High School is Not Enough (Postsecondary Success)
Find the Right Fit (Educational Choice)
You Should Know (Data for Stakeholders)

You Should Know

JKAF Staff — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:37:02 +0000

Relevant data and information in the hands of citizens and policymakers is a key to continuous improvement of the education system and student achievement in Idaho.A data-driven strategy guides the improvement of high quality instruction, increases in student standards and engagement, and the deployment of resources.The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation’s You Should Know Outcomes are:

Idaho citizens and policymakers use relevant data to improve student achievement
The education system is more accountable, responsive and efficient

As education reform efforts increasingly focus on preparing students for success beyond high school, the quality and accessibility of high quality data is critical. More than ever, we need to rely on facts to drive decisions because of the complexity of the system and the real-time effects on students of all ages. At every level, from the individual school building to the statehouse, we need to know “what works” and fund accordingly. Data Facts

Limited data to track students beyond high school to know whether their school adequately prepared them for postsecondary education
Where a student resides limits their access to web-based education options
No consistent data set to identify the drop-out rate statewide
Idaho is ranked 50^th on the 10 Essential Elements of a State Longitudinal Data System—the national standard (2008 Data Quality Campaign)

Resources

Idaho Education Network IEN
Idaho report on the Data Quality Campaign 10 Elements

Find the Right Fit

JKAF Staff — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:12:13 +0000

Finding the right fit is not about one type of education being better than another, but about access to options that best fit a student’s preferred learning style — because not everyone learns in the same way. Finding an option that fits include private schools, charter schools, virtual schools, homeschooling, a traditional public school or a combination of multiple options.

Options force accountability in the education system and allow access to various learning environments, methods and instructional delivery that work for the individual and their family. Whether a person is trying to find a fit for K-12 or postsecondary education—there must be a delivery system and instructional methods that work in urban, rural and frontier settings.

The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation’s Find the Right Fit Target Outcomes are:

Students access educational options that fit their needs.
Every Idahoan knows their educational options (PreK-12, postsecondary).

Data and Resources on Educational Choices in Idaho include:

Charter Schools

Private Schools

Homeschooling

Education beyond high school

High School is Not Enough

JKAF Staff — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:24:40 +0000

ALL Idahoans need an education that prepares them for college or 21^st century careers. Unfortunately, we’re falling behind in educational attainment which directly impacts our ability to earn a living, compete in the global marketplace and retain young leaders. Our political and economic standing in the world is being jeopardized, which may affect the very freedoms we’ve come to expect and take for granted.

The J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation’s High School Is Not Enough outcomes are:

More Idahoans graduating prepared for college or a career.
More Idahoans participating and completing a postsecondary option (degree, certification, apprenticeship, training, etc).

FACTS

Idaho ranks 43^rd nationally for students who progress from 9^th grade all the way through college (NCHEMS).
Idaho got the following marginal grades from the latest Measuring Up 2008 Idaho Report:
- Preparation = C
- Participation = D
- Completion = C
The USA is now the only industrialized country where young people are LESS likely than their parents to earn a diploma. (Education Trust)

RESOURCES

Know How 2 GoIDAHO has resources to help middle and high school students and those who mentor them.
The Career One Stop is a national clearinghouse filled with practical tools, resources, salary information and so much more – a great place to start if you need to know how to go on.
Go On Idaho is an initiative of the J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation focused on helping high school students go on.
Professional Technical Education for adult learners is hosted by the Idaho Professional Technical Education division. Find information about GED, adult basic education, veterans education and more.

Statesman’s Statewide “Go On” Contests to Win Cash

JKAF Staff — Mon, 10 May 2010 15:09:23 +0000

Why do you want to Go On? Hey Idaho students! Want to win $275?

Enter the Idaho Statesman’s statewide essay contest. It’s simple. Tell the Statesman why you plan to Go On to college or other training after high school in 500 words or less.

You want to earn more money? You love learning? You want to be independent? You want to help your family?

Whatever your reason, share it with the Statesman by 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 19. A panel of judges will select the best essay. The winner will get $275.

The winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 26.

This is just the first contest!

Over the next year, the JA & Kathryn Albertson Foundation and Idaho Statesman will offer additional contests. Keep checking back for more details!