Education

This section of the report details important educational indicators that impact the region. Examining this information aids assessment of the learning landscape and future economic development in terms of strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to prepare tomorrow’s workforce for employment.

Historically, pay level often linked to high-skill jobs, which in turn are linked to higher levels of education, so higher educational attainment and enhanced training can lead to greater economic opportunity and a more competitive workforce. Times are changing and current high paying occupations are open to people with Trade education, Associate’s, credentials, and certificates. With the shift in higher education requirements and the growing importance of credentials and certifications (which are not individually measured), it is not possible to capture the strength of the economy using only four-year degrees. Nonetheless, they are imperative for many occupations, especially those in health care and education, which anchor the economy.

Emerging industries and occupations demand a diverse range of education and training opportunities, including apprenticeship programs, trade school programs, on-the-job training, certificates, credentials, and college and university degrees. The current job market offers opportunities for everyone. As automation and AI continue to expand across various industries, entry-level employees will likely need some form of post-secondary training.

Career and technical education at the high school level represents another path to gaining job skills that translate to economic opportunity. The number of students enrolled in Career and Technology Centers (CTCs) increased compared to the prior year. Wayne and Wyoming Counties are among the few counties left in Northeastern Pennsylvania without their own complete Career and Technical Centers.

In addition to CTC programs, Advanced Placement (AP) coursework helps students after graduation. Some districts recorded high levels AP/IB (International Baccalaureate) course participation of students, and many districts saw a large share of their student body complete college coursework as well.

Among the many indicators of school performance, including attendance numbers, dropout rates, and standardized test scores, the most notable trend is the significant variation from district to district and school to school. For more students to pursue higher education and succeed in the workforce, it is important that schools struggling in measures of academic performance continue to strive for improvement despite the differing socioeconomic contexts of the communities they serve.

Public school assessment has undergone a significant period of transition. The Keystone Exams have replaced the PSSA exams for 11th grade students, and the PSSA exam has changed to reflect Common Core material. As a result, this report has most recently used PVAAS – the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System. This tool measures students’ growth and accounts for changes in standardized tests over time, along with variability among the student population. Countywide average scores for 4th through 8th grade students showed room for improvement in reading across three of the counties, although results varied significantly by district.

Pre-K programs are significant because they provide a basis to help children with early literacy. Students are four times more likely to drop out of school if they are not proficient readers by the third grade. Although there are discrepancies and gaps in data on the share of children served by publicly funded pre-K, reports of 3- and 4-year-olds benefiting from these programs reflect a small population of children.

Literacy and numeracy are essential skills that influence educational attainment, workforce readiness, and overall economic development in the region. Literacy refers to the ability to read, write, and understand information effectively, while numeracy involves the capacity to work with numbers and apply mathematical reasoning in everyday tasks. The average literacy and numeracy scores between 2013 and 2017 suggest a small gap in literacy and numeracy skills between the counties and the statewide averages, highlighting potential areas for educational support.