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A point of clarification.

Sixteen percent of students are considered dropouts under this new cohort graduation rate -- not 28%.

According to state law, students who recieve GEDs (6.3%) and students who recieve alternative certificates (5.5%) are not considered dropouts.

Obviously, GEDs and alternative certificates are not ideal outcomes for our students and do not fully prepare them for the workforce. The new cohort rate is consistent with our new graduation requirements and sends a clear message that our focus must be on ensuring all students graduate in four years with a regular diploma.

At the same time, we must take into account that each and every student is an individual with a unique set of learning circumstances and schools are challenged with meeting these needs in a specialized way. Our schools need the support of our state and their local communities to make progress with our at-risk youth. 

posted 3 years ago
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