DENVER ~ Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who currently serves as the 2024-2025 Chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), has launched a new initiative called Let's Get Ready! The aim of this initiative is to explore education solutions that will equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies to succeed after graduation.

This week, the Washington Post Editorial Board praised Governor Polis and his Let's Get Ready initiative in an article. The board commended his efforts to address the lack of quality data in measuring the effectiveness of education systems in preparing students for life after high school.

During his term as NGA Chair, Governor Polis held seven meetings across the country to gather insights from experts on which metrics are most important in preparing children for long-term success. The result of these meetings is a report that will be unveiled next week at the annual summer gathering of governors in Colorado Springs.

Governor Polis believes that what states measure is what they value, and therefore it is crucial to carefully track whether young people are receiving the necessary tools for success. He stated, "We don't want states to achieve success by reducing standards."

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To further this goal, the NGA plans to launch a pilot project this fall that will assist five states in developing customized dashboards over 18 months. They hope that other states will follow suit and join this effort. Applications for participation will open after next week's unveiling.

Governor Polis has also taken steps within his own state to improve data collection and coordination between different agencies. Earlier this year, he issued an executive order requiring five state agencies to share data so that Colorado can create a comprehensive system tracking student progress from pre-K through high school and into higher education and the workforce.

In light of recent efforts by the Trump administration to eliminate the federal Education Department and give more power back to individual states in setting standards, there is a sense of urgency among governors to better track student progress. This will not only allow for easier imitation of successful strategies but also encourage healthy competition between schools, districts, and states to ensure that more students are prepared for their future.

Governor Polis, who is currently in his second term as governor, is determined to make a positive impact on education and believes that the Let's Get Ready initiative will play a crucial role in achieving this goal. With the support of the NGA and other states, he hopes to see significant improvements in preparing students for whatever challenges they may face after graduation.

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