District efforts have yielded growth among students who may have otherwise dropped out; 4-year rate has held steady
Milwaukee Public Schools’ five- and six-year high school graduation rates continue to grow, according to data released by the state Thursday, but further growth is still needed.
The growth shows that MPS’ efforts to target students who may have otherwise dropped out – such as Project Direct Graduation and the district’s GED programs – are yielding results.
The district’s five-year graduation rate grew to 71 percent for 2012-13, up from 70.8 percent in 2011-12 and up from 70.4 percent in 2010-11, the first year the rate was available.
MPS’ six-year rate grew to 73.6 percent for 2012- 13, up from 72.8 percent in 2011-12, the first year the rate was available.
The four-year graduation rate for 2012-13 stands at 60.6 percent, which is roughly in line with the four year rate from 2009-10, the first year of the new four year rate calculation.
MPS is engaged in several efforts to increase the four-year and the overall graduation rate, including:
– Implementing comprehensive plans in literacy, mathematics and science, to help ensure students have consistent curriculum in these core areas – even if they move from school to school – allowing students stay on track academically
– Revising school counseling services to offer support for students in grades 3 -12; kindergarten – 2nd grade career awareness programming; and academic and career plans to help all students grades 6-12 develop a plan for success
– Developing transition programs from 8th to 9th grade, a critical time when some students who fall behind may have difficulty catching up
– Providing a growing number of school options to increase graduation success including school based recovery programs to help students earn credits needed to graduate
– Creating TEAM UP College Access Centers to demystify college preparation for students from elementary to high school.
The centers marked 10,000 visits just last week
