Georgia's graduation rate was recently calculated using a new federally mandated formula to bring state-to-state consistency for high school completion. The overall state graduation rate under the previous formula was 80%. Under the new formula, Georgia shows a statewide graduation rate of 67.44%. With the state's new formula applied to our system, the graduation rate for Monroe County Schools is 78.39% compared to the previously released rate of 84.9%.
With a 6.51% decrease in graduation rate compared to some Georgia school districts which realized as much as a 30% decline under the prior formula, the numbers below reflect the efforts of MCS and MPHS to keep students in school and graduate them in four years with a quality education.
State avg = 67.44%
RESA avg = 56.48%
Monroe County Schools = 78.39%
Jasper County Schools = 75.52%
Houston County Schools = 73.24%
Jones County Schools = 72.05%
Twiggs County Schools = 59.05%
Bibb County Schools = 51.34%
Crawford County Schools = 42.25%
The new formula calculates completion in four years time as opposed to the prior formula which calculated for those receiving diplomas in four and five year spans. Also under the new formula, if a student withdraws and his or her continuation to graduation can not be verified, then that student is counted against the graduation rate. Mary Persons High School and Monroe County Achievement Center administration and counselors are working with students, teachers, parents, and the community to track students as well as provide a pathway to postsecondary success.
In addition to this, Monroe County's consistency in rate under the prior and new formulas shows a school and system commitment to accurate data. MPHS administration, counselors, registrar, and teachers, are working with central office data personnel, student services team, and curriculum personnel to make sure that student records are as accurate as possible.
Are we satisfied with the standings? Do we have more work to be done? Yes and yes. Spring brings graduation season, plans for the future, and new possibilities for our graduates. We will continue to be working for each of our students to graduate, and with new curriculum requirements and program opportunities, we, as a community, will continue to seek out ways to meet the needs of our boys and girls.
Even if your student is not high school years yet or if you are an elementary or middle grades teacher, it's never too early to increase awareness and work with us to help our students successfully complete high school in four years, so take a few minutes to read the message below and see what resources are out there for us in our mission, our calling, to see our students to success.
For more on Georgia's graduation rate formula, see http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/External-Affairs-and-Policy/communications/Pages/PressReleaseDetails.aspx?pid=33.
Respectfully submitted,
Anthony D. Pack
Superintendent of Schools |