The George W. Bush Institute and Texas 2036’s new report details how Texas students do not have the knowledge and skills to succeed as they move on to the next grade level, much less in the workforce.

Key Takeaways

  • Too many Texas students do not have the knowledge and skills to succeed in their next grade, much less in the workforce. This lack of readiness begins in the early grades, and students rarely catch up.
  • Eighth-grade Texans are likely to lose out on $104 billion in future earnings — with low-income students bearing the bulk of that loss — due to their lack of readiness for the future.
  • 93% of students who are not on grade level in third grade are still not on grade level by fifth grade. During the 2021-2022 school year, no grade level was more than 60% ready for the next grade.
  • Texas cannot continue on a path of prosperity if its young people are relegated to second-class status, unable to compete in their own state and capitalize on the opportunities of tomorrow.

Fast Facts

70%

of jobs in Texas will require a post-secondary credential by 2036.

60%

of Texas students do not do math on grade level.

48%

of Texas students do not read on grade level.

22%

of Texas 8th graders earn a degree or credential within six years of high school graduation.

What Our Leaders Are Saying

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