
2017 ROC the Future – State of Our Children Report
ROC the Future began as a StriveTogether community (one of 70 nationwide), using collective impact to address very complex issues impeding positive outcomes for children.
ROC the Future began as a StriveTogether community (one of 70 nationwide), using collective impact to address very complex issues impeding positive outcomes for children.
No single entity or organization can create the change necessary to improve outcomes for all children, cradle-to-career. Yet, improvement is possible when communities employ a “collective impact” approach to agree on shared goals; use evidenced-based approaches or best practices to improve; and measure success, together.
In partnership with the Greater Rochester After-School Alliance (GRASA), The Children’s Agenda has completed an inventory of out-of-school time (OST) opportunities in Rochester. This report is an update and expansion on previous inventories of after-school programs in Rochester. Several very recent initiatives in the Rochester area target resources toward common goals of 3rd grade reading competency and overall school success for Rochester students. A growing body of research has shown that time spent outside the classroom – in after-school programs and in summer learning and expanded learning opportunities – can impact efforts to improve the academic and social/emotional competencies of PreK – 12 students.
This report card tracks key measures of well-being for children and youth in the City of Rochester, from cradle to career.
Although the ROC the Future collaborative is tracking more than forty measures, the 2014 Report Card grades progress on selected milestones on the cradle to college/career pathway. The indicators were selected by the ROC the Future collaborative action network members, networks made up of volunteer professionals and community members with expertise and experience in areas like school readiness, extended learning, and college preparation. Like all of ROC the Future, the 2014 Report Card supports collective action aimed at improving outcomes for Rochester’s children.
Although the ROC the Future collaborative is tracking more than forty measures, the report card provides “grades” for the selected milestones on the cradle to college/career pathway. The indicators were selected by the ROC the Future collaborative action network members, networks made up of volunteer professionals and community members with expertise and experience in areas like school readiness, extended learning, and college preparation. Like all of ROC the Future, the Report Card supports collective action aimed at improving outcomes for Rochester’s children.
But what if we could do better? What if we could eradicate child abuse? What
if all parents who needed a safe, quality child care setting for their child could
afford it? What if our most vulnerable youth spent less time on the streets and
more time learning?
The Children’s Agenda advocates for effective policies and drives evidenced-based solutions for the health, education and success of children. We are especially committed to children who are vulnerable because of poverty, racism, health inequities and trauma.