In 2007, Partnership for Learning and the College & Work Ready Agenda released Improving the Odds: Preparing Washington Students for Family-Wage Jobs. In the report, we refuted the notion that a high school diploma is sufficient to ensure a family-wage job. Instead, the research made clear that, to earn a family-wage job, students must receive an education that prepares them to succeed in college and beyond.

Since the release of Improving the Odds, changing economic conditions have only increased the demand for family-wage jobs. Since 2007, the United States has faced one of the worst economic recessions since the Great Depression. This national recession has had ripple effects in Washington, and employment reports released through the spring and summer of 2011 have confirmed a slowdown in both the national and Washington state economies.

That's why Partnership for Learning has updated this important report. In Improving the Odds "2.0", we provide an analysis of the existing workforce needs and outline policies that Washington state must address if every student is to graduate prepared to succeed in our globally competitive economy. 

To read this report, click here.