Graduation Rate Comparison

A recent press release from the Department of Education covers the new reporting standards set by the federal government. The new reporting standards are intended to make sure that all schools are using the same data sets in order to determine graduation rates. There has been much speculation over the past several years that some schools were using creative tactics in order to make their graduation rates appear to be better than they actually were. While I like to believe in the goodness of educators and their intentions, I also know that sometimes there is immense pressure to make certain that your school isn't identified in certain categories. Sometimes a tenth of a percentage point can be the difference for schools from being "ok", to mountains of paperwork and financial issues. In the article, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is reported as saying "A common rate will help target support so more students graduate on-time by using more accurate data."

Having worked in school improvement, I know that accurate data is critical to making sound decisions. Further, often times data sets can be very surprising (good or bad) compared to what the common perception of performance is. However, I really have mixed feelings when it comes to the category of graduation rate. We are constantly striving to make curriculum more rigorous and ensure that students are receiving the highest quality education possible. Yet, at the same time we are reducing student choices in electives and eliminating many programs that keep students in school. It is often discussed in terms of technology how we must meet the needs of 21st Century learners and match education to their lifestyles, but we still continue to cut programs like art, music, wood shop, auto, etc... Sometimes these are the programs that match up best with a students learning interests. I maintain the frequently unpopular opinion that maybe college isn't the right path for every student. I do believe that everyone should continue to educate themselves, but for some kids it may be better to attend a trade or technical school. If these students would have had access to trade oriented programs in high school, they may have been better off in terms of career development.

If we offer programs that pertain to student interests, both technologically and otherwise, graduation rates will take care of themselves. Feel free to post a response or comment. I am always interested in others opinions.

Read the full press release by following this link:
http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/states-begin-reporting-uniform-graduation-rate-reveal-more-accurate-high-school-