District Newsletter: Our Graduation Rate Goals and Progress Update

Graduation rates are one of the most meaningful indicators of whether a school district is serving its students well. A newsletter that explains the data honestly, acknowledges the gaps, and describes what the district is doing to close them is more credible than one that leads with only the good news.

Our Current Graduation Rate

Our four-year cohort graduation rate for the most recent graduating class reflects students who earned a high school diploma within four years of entering ninth grade. Our five-year graduation rate includes students who take an additional year to complete requirements. Both figures are reported in our annual accountability data.

Where Gaps Exist

Graduation data broken down by student group reveals important patterns. Our overall rate is strong, but gaps exist for specific student groups. We want families to know that we see these gaps clearly and are addressing them specifically, not as a footnote in a larger report.

What Causes Students to Fall Off Track

Research consistently points to a small set of early indicators: chronic absenteeism in middle school, failing a course in ninth grade, and lack of connection to at least one trusted adult at school. Our early warning system monitors these indicators starting in sixth grade.

Our Graduation Improvement Programs

The district runs graduation coaching programs at all high schools. These programs provide coaches who work with students at risk of not completing on time, including credit recovery options, senior transition support, and connection to community mentors.

A Sample Graduation Newsletter Excerpt

"Our graduation rate last year was [X]%. We are proud of that number. We are also clear-eyed about the students it does not yet include. There are specific groups where our rates are lower, and we want you to know exactly what we are doing about it. Here is the data, here are the gaps, and here is the plan."

Credit Recovery Options

Students who fall behind on credits can access credit recovery through programs offered at each high school and online. Credit recovery is a legitimate path to diploma completion for students whose circumstances created gaps in their coursework.

Our Goal

Our district goal is to reach our target graduation rate by our strategic plan end date. We review progress annually and report it to the board and to our community. Daystage makes it easy to link families directly to program contacts so those who want support can access it immediately.