The 2020 American Graduation Initiative: A Clear Vision or Dim View?

Abstract

Purpose

This paper focuses on the Obama administration’s American Graduation Initiative (AGI) and the associated completion agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, we provide an in-depth overview of the AGI with a focus on: (a) articulating the rationale that prompted the AGI; (b) describing the four primary components of the reform effort; (c) examining the political forces that led to its demise; (d) investigating the derivatives of the AGI in the form of private foundation and state-level efforts to bolster success rates; and (e) illuminating criticisms of the AGI that could have served to complicate the initiative’s success.

Originality/value

In the latter section of the paper, we also offer recommendations for future national and state policy.

Citation

Wood, J.L. and Harrison, J.D. (2014), "The 2020 American Graduation Initiative: A Clear Vision or Dim View?", The Obama Administration and Educational Reform (Advances in Education in Diverse Communities, Vol. 10), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 119-139. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-358X20130000010006