Latest news with #JillAveryStoss
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Indicators 2025: Understanding and addressing Pennsylvania's achievement gaps
Jun. 28—WILKES-BARRE — Jill Avery-Stoss, president of The Institute, said gaps in academic achievement are widely recognized and have complex causes. "They arise from a combination of personal, systemic, and structural factors," Avery-Stoss said. "They also result from disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Institute's Education and Workforce Development Task Force recently completed a study exploring the achievement gap — the trending disparity in academic performance across different student populations. It suggests that some students have fewer chances to succeed in school than others. Avery-Stoss said achievement gaps are most evident when comparing various groups, such as boys and girls, students from lower-income and higher-income households, and individuals of different racial or ethnic backgrounds. Such comparisons must also be considered carefully because people rarely fit neatly into one category. Avery-Stoss stated that overall access to education across the Commonwealth is considered above average compared to national benchmarks. Still, the achievement gaps between Pennsylvania student groups are among the country's largest. In some cases, gaps may occur in schools with fewer resources than other schools. In other cases, however, gaps emerge among students who attend the same schools. "The pandemic also contributed to the issue," Avery-Stoss said. "Students lost a great deal of learning time — particularly in math and reading — and many faced the additional challenge of limited internet access. They also took fewer tests, which complicates understanding about how much help is needed and where it is needed most." The Pennsylvania Department of Education published a research brief with Mathematica to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young learners in the state. The study explored academic proficiency rates among students in grades five through eight, using a predictive model to adjust for factors such as assessment participation rates, test administration timing, and instructional modes. The findings show that in math and language arts, grade six seems to have experienced the highest predicted impact from the pandemic, and the predicted pandemic impacts were consistently larger in math. The numbers in math proficiency impact range from a loss of 12 to 15 percentage points. In English language arts, the numbers range from a loss of 7 to 12 percentage points. The brief also found that students from vulnerable backgrounds and in fully remote learning environments had lower assessment participation rates compared to their peers, and that the overall academic proficiency across the state was reduced in 2021 due to the pandemic. Negative academic impacts were evident across most student groups, and even more so for vulnerable groups that had lower proficiency rates prior to the pandemic. Avery-Stoss said that although the academic environment plays a key role in student outcomes, research shows that education alone is not the primary cause of the achievement gap. Solutions must extend beyond traditional schooling and require coordination between policymakers, educators, and communities to tackle structural, economic, and historical inequities. "Recommendations for closing the achievement gap involve access to high-quality preschool programs, culturally responsive teaching, inclusive curriculum, establishment of community partnerships and programs, and data-driven policy change," Avery-Stoss said. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indicators 2025: Regional economy persists while facing multiple challenges
Jun. 8—WILKES-BARRE — Jill Avery-Stoss, president at The Institute, said this week that recovery from the pandemic has been relatively swift. According to The Institute's Annual Indicators Report, areas such as GDP, income and unemployment have all shown signs of strength and resilience. This has led to a tightening labor market, with the region approaching full employment by 2024. Despite these improvements, however, Avery-Stoss said challenges persist — especially in sectors like health care, which face ongoing workforce shortages. Avery-Stoss says that many strategies are needed to address workforce needs. These strategies involve talent recruitment and retention, developing career pathways starting in middle school, and removing barriers to participation in the workforce. "Issues such as limited access to childcare and transportation, as well as housing insecurity, interfere with the ability to secure a job and keep a job," Avery-Stoss said. Historically, Avery-Stoss said NEPA has had higher unemployment and slower economic growth compared to state and national averages. Though wage levels are beginning to climb, rising living costs — particularly for housing and food — continue to put pressure on households. "Poverty remains a pressing concern in the region," Avery-Stoss said. "Approximately one in five households in the region report incomes below $25,000 — an amount insufficient to cover basic living expenses. Even those who live above the official poverty line may struggle to meet basic needs, increasing the demand on social services and charitable organizations." Avery-Stoss said trade policies, such as tariffs, also pose significant risks to the regional economy. As of the time of the report, a 90-day hold on tariffs had been implemented, but economic activity related to imports and exports, was slowing. "Any prolonged downturn in these areas could lead to reduced economic output, higher unemployment, and falling tax revenues, affecting businesses and public services," Avery-Stoss said. More specifically: As of the most recent data, unemployment rates are low — 3.7% in Lackawanna County, 4.2% in Luzerne County, and 3.8% in Wayne County. Over 70% of households in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties rely on wages, with Wayne County slightly lower at 66.6 percent. Households also rely on Social Security and retirement income, with small percentages depending on cash assistance. Per capita income is growing, but remains lower than the state average across all three counties. Wayne County had the highest growth in aggregate personal income between 2022 and 2023, outpacing the Commonwealth. Job growth has outpaced population growth, which signals economic expansion. "This growth can only continue if the region maintains a sufficient working-age population, and if the region can accommodate the workforce in terms of housing, health care, and other needs," Avery-Stoss said. Health care and social assistance are the largest employment sectors in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. In Wayne County, government jobs are most prevalent. "NEPA's economy is in a state of moderate growth, but structural challenges persist," said Avery-Stoss. "Wages are increasing, but not enough to offset living costs for many residents. The labor market is tight, yet access to good jobs is hindered by systemic barriers. Future economic resilience will depend on coordinated workforce development, social infrastructure investment, and proactive responses to global economic shifts." Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indicators 2025: Demographic trends in Northeast Pennsylvania
Jun. 1—WILKES-BARRE — Jill Avery-Stoss, president of The Institute, said this week that although all three counties — Luzerne, Lackawanna and Wayne — reported population dips in 2021, they have since rebounded. "The region collectively gained nearly 5,700 residents between 2013 and 2023," Avery-Stoss said. "Notably, migration patterns shifted post-2020, with all three counties reporting net migration gains, especially in 2020 — 2021. These trends reflect broader national movements away from high-cost urban areas." According to Avery-Stoss, the stability of the population has relied on in-migration rather than births. She said birth rates across the region have been declining steadily for decades. This trend mirrors national patterns and is influenced by younger generations opting for fewer or no children. "In-migration refers to the relocation of people to the region, from other communities within the Commonwealth, from other states, and from other countries," Avery-Stoss said. "It enhances diversity in the area. The Hispanic/Latino population has grown significantly, especially in Luzerne County. Increases were also recorded among Asian Americans, African Americans, and multiracial individuals." Avery-Stoss said diversity is an asset because it fosters economic growth and resiliency — it offers new perspectives and greater exposure to various cultures. "It is essential to the workforce, small business development and overall community vitality," Avery-Stoss said. "Research suggests that, for these reasons, diverse populations are best equipped to withstand complex challenges." Avery-Stoss said NEPA is also known to have an aging population — a sizable proportion of residents are over the age of 65. In 2023, Avery-Stoss said more than 20% of residents in the studied counties were seniors, and less than 11% were under age 10, highlighting potential future labor shortages and high demand for health care and support services. Additionally, Avery-Stoss said the number of older adults living alone has grown, with the region adding nearly 1,000 such individuals from 2020 to 2023. "This trend aligns with the desire of older adults to 'age in place' — ideally residing in the safety and comfort of their own homes rather than entering long-term care facilities," Avery-Stoss said. Despite these population shifts, Avery-Stoss said average household sizes in the region have remained stable. There has been an increase in single-parent households, however — particularly those led by women — in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. At the same time, Avery-Stoss said there has been a slight decline in the number of grandparents raising grandchildren. In Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, the number of grandparents raising their grandchildren decreased between 2020 and 2023 (by 123 and 6, respectively). During the same period, Wayne County's number rose by 73. "Northeastern Pennsylvania is experiencing gradual, but important, demographic changes," said Avery-Stoss. "The population is aging, birth rates are declining, and diversity is increasing. Monitoring these demographic indicators should help shape policies and design public services that meet the unique needs of the community." Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indicators 2025: Demographic trends in Northeast Pennsylvania
Jun. 1—WILKES-BARRE — Jill Avery-Stoss, president of The Institute, said this week that although all three counties — Luzerne, Lackawanna and Wayne — reported population dips in 2021, they have since rebounded. "The region collectively gained nearly 5,700 residents between 2013 and 2023," Avery-Stoss said. "Notably, migration patterns shifted post-2020, with all three counties reporting net migration gains, especially in 2020 — 2021. These trends reflect broader national movements away from high-cost urban areas." According to Avery-Stoss, the stability of the population has relied on in-migration rather than births. She said birth rates across the region have been declining steadily for decades. This trend mirrors national patterns and is influenced by younger generations opting for fewer or no children. "In-migration refers to the relocation of people to the region, from other communities within the Commonwealth, from other states, and from other countries," Avery-Stoss said. "It enhances diversity in the area. The Hispanic/Latino population has grown significantly, especially in Luzerne County. Increases were also recorded among Asian Americans, African Americans, and multiracial individuals." Avery-Stoss said diversity is an asset because it fosters economic growth and resiliency — it offers new perspectives and greater exposure to various cultures. "It is essential to the workforce, small business development and overall community vitality," Avery-Stoss said. "Research suggests that, for these reasons, diverse populations are best equipped to withstand complex challenges." Avery-Stoss said NEPA is also known to have an aging population — a sizable proportion of residents are over the age of 65. In 2023, Avery-Stoss said more than 20% of residents in the studied counties were seniors, and less than 11% were under age 10, highlighting potential future labor shortages and high demand for health care and support services. Additionally, Avery-Stoss said the number of older adults living alone has grown, with the region adding nearly 1,000 such individuals from 2020 to 2023. "This trend aligns with the desire of older adults to 'age in place' — ideally residing in the safety and comfort of their own homes rather than entering long-term care facilities," Avery-Stoss said. Despite these population shifts, Avery-Stoss said average household sizes in the region have remained stable. There has been an increase in single-parent households, however — particularly those led by women — in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. At the same time, Avery-Stoss said there has been a slight decline in the number of grandparents raising grandchildren. In Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, the number of grandparents raising their grandchildren decreased between 2020 and 2023 (by 123 and 6, respectively). During the same period, Wayne County's number rose by 73. "Northeastern Pennsylvania is experiencing gradual, but important, demographic changes," said Avery-Stoss. "The population is aging, birth rates are declining, and diversity is increasing. Monitoring these demographic indicators should help shape policies and design public services that meet the unique needs of the community." Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'The Institute' Featured On Newsmakers Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11
(WBRE/WYOU) Newsmakers will feature 'The Institute' this weekend. The group works on research on the region on topics including employment, housing, childcare, and more. Hosts Jayne Ann Bugda and Andy Mehalshick will be joined by Teri Ooms, Jill Avery-Stoss, and Charlie Kasko. Their Research Is Used To Help Communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania Improve and Grow. They have been responsible for many programs and initiatives in our region over the past two decades. Newsmakers will air Saturday, May 10th at Noon on WBRE and Sunday, May 11th at 7:30 am on WYOU. More information Phone: (570) 408-9850Email: info@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
