Fairfax County is a place where all residents at every stage of life are taking advantage of inclusive, responsive and accessible learning opportunities that enable them to grow, prosper and thrive.
Each priority area includes the following:
Fairfax County is the home of respected learning institutions, a prospering business community and a richly diverse population. In addition, many residents are highly educated, gainfully employed and welcomed members of a thriving community. The goal of this priority area is to ensure lifelong learning opportunities and the achievement of educational goals are within the reach of all residents at every stage of life, regardless of age. These strategies and metrics were crafted to address existing disparities, while also expanding programming at some of the most critical, important and formative learning stages in our residents’ lives. Fairfax County will lead in collaboration, growth and opportunity for all.
1. How will we ensure that all children have access to quality early learning opportunities?
2. How will we adapt our approach to effective lifelong education and learning as our county experiences changing demographics and gaps in language/communication proficiencies?
3. How will we ensure that we equitably and effectively support all county residents seeking to acquire the career and technical skills that employers want?
4. How will we ensure that social and racial factors do not predetermine residents’ access to quality lifelong learning opportunities?
5. How will we more effectively engage partners (FCPS, technical schools, higher education and employers) to provide education to meet the demand of the market and provide opportunities for all county residents?
6. How will we keep up with and provide equitable access to new and innovative learning technologies (whether within schools, at home or in public learning arenas)?
1. Early Childhood Education
2. Academic Attainment
3. Career-Based Education Attainment
4. Participation in Learning Opportunities
5. Technology and Learning
6. Language Proficiency
Indicator: Early Childhood Education
Metrics:
• % of 0 to 5-year-olds enrolled in an early childhood development program
• % of children entering kindergarten who meet age-appropriate developmental expectations
• # of households using parent/family center services
• # of 0 to 5 year-olds participating in county-funded early childhood development programs
• % of children enrolled in FCPS and Head Start early-childhood development programs who attend at least 90% of scheduled days
• % of eligible children participating in county-provided early childhood development programs
Indicator: Academic Attainment
Metrics:
• % of students who are reading at grade level by third grade
• % of students passing eighth-grade Algebra I
• % of high school students who either pass a college-level exam or earn an industry certification before graduation
• % of students conversant in more than one language
• % of full-time high school and post-secondary students who graduate on time
• % of families indicating the support they receive from family leaders, parent liaisons and/or other county and FCPS staff is useful and high quality
Indicator: Career-Based Education Attainment
Metrics:
• % of high school students who believe there is a realistic path to pursue meaningful career opportunities
• # of students enrolled in and % who successfully complete county-coordinated career and technical education programs
• % of residents with some form of post-secondary degree/certification
• # of county-provided post-secondary programs designed for residents with special needs.
• % of students with special needs who are employed after high school
Indicator: Participation in Learning Opportunities
Metrics:
• % of residents who report they are aware of county-offered lifelong learning opportunities
• % of participants in county-offered lifelong learning programs who rated those programs as achieving their desired learning objective
• % of residents who are library cardholders and used it in the past year
• % of adult residents engaged in lifelong learning on a regular basis
• % of residents who report their county-provided training program was able to accommodate their special need(s)
Indicator: Technology and Learning
Metrics:
• # of households who do not have internet access at home
• % of residents who believe they have the technology and competency needed to be effective digital learners
• % of instructors in FCPS and other county-supported learning environments who feel they have the technology needed to deliver a quality learning experience
Indicator: Language Proficiency
Metrics:
• % of residents who report their English language proficiency is a barrier to success for themselves and their family
• % of residents whose primary language is other than English who report they felt included in and had access to learning opportunities
• # of adult participants in language-proficiency classes/programs offered through libraries and community partners
• % of adult participants of language-proficiency classes/programs offered through libraries and community partners who report their language proficiency improved
Expand Equitable Offerings of High-Quality Early Development Programs and Learning Experiences as well as Related School Readiness Supports
Prepare All Residents to Become Digitally Savvy Learners
Strengthen the Connection Between Our Schools and Our Community
Support the Success of a Diverse Student Population
Expand Opportunities for All County Residents to Acquire the Skills They Need to Succeed in a Modern Economy
Strengthen Our Portfolio of Lifelong Learning Programs, Technology and Events that Support English Proficiency