Texas’ tough efforts to up graduation rates and decrease dropout rates resulted in an 80.6 percent four-year, on-time graduation rate for the Class of 2009.
The Texas Education Agency’s annual "Secondary School Completion and Dropouts in Texas Public Schools" report shows that the number of dropouts in grades 7-12 dropped to 40,923 in the 2008-2009 school year, a 10.6 percent drop from the 45,796 students who dropped out in the 2007-2008 school year.
“Texas is aggressively working to increase the graduation rate. Our efforts are paying off and we are receiving national attention for this effort,” Scott said.
The National Governors Association, Achieve, and Jobs for the Future have each issued reports commending Texas for its dropout recovery and prevention efforts.
The Texas programs are focused around four research-based strategies. Those are:
* Learning environments are challenging and personalized for each student;
* Mentors are used as role models and advocates for students;
* Students who are behind in school receive academic support;
* Data systems identify struggling students who need early intervention.
A redesigned TEA dropout information website provides additional detail about the wide array of programs in use in the state’s schools.
“The dropout issue impacts all states, and there is not a single magic solution that will solve the challenge. By providing a variety of support combined with relevant and challenging courses, our educators can put together a plan that addresses the needs of students on their campus,” Scott said.
The latest state-level data show progress. Among the 308,427-member Class of 2009:
* 80.6 percent or 248,500 students graduated in four years;
* 8.6 percent or 26,667 students continued in school;
* 1.4 percent, which represents 4,404 students, received a General Educational Development (GED) certificate; and
* 9.4 percent or 28,856 dropped out during their high school years.
The full report is here
