Ohio’s education system is in distress. One way to turn it around is a P-16 approach. P-16 is a systematic approach to integrating the separate systems of education—across all learning levels. By improving these connections, P-16 focuses on the needs of the students, ensuring they can advance smoothly from pre-Kindergarten to a post secondary education. The philosophy behind this approach is simple: success in college and in a career begins in preschool.

Out of every 100 ninth graders in Ohio, only 38% enter college and a mere 17% graduate. P-16 Councils aim to change all that. This systematic approach seeks to integrate the separate systems of education, from preschool to postsecondary programs. Currently, our state’s disconnected system of education is not meeting the challenges required for success in the 21st century. A P-16 approach can result in higher achieving students with the goal of restoring economic competitiveness to our citizens and to our state.

We know that ultimately it is Ohio’s communities and local school districts that are responsible for a school’s success. That’s why we are funding and providing technical support for the formation of up to five P-16 Councils throughout the state. The Councils, made up of educational institutions, community organizations, and local businesses will use a data-driven process to identify the “leaks” in the alignment of their local educational systems. They will then work together on agreed-upon goals.