USDE Issues New Regs For Calculating Graduation Rates
Good news. The U.S. Department of Education set final regulations for a uniform way to calculate graduation rates across states. We’re making progress on the issue. But a 2008 survey by the Data Quality Campaign finds that just six states now have all 10essential elements of a robust longitudinal data system.
Double click the title of this post for a summary of the NCLB guidelines. According to the US Department of Education the final regulations establish a uniform and more accurate measure of calculating high school graduation rates that is comparable across states. The goal was to increase accountability and transparency.
I beleive this is a good fist step. However it still requires parents or students who move between districts or schools to complete forms with consistant information for comparability. I beleive that it may be time to consider a form of national student identification if we are going to hold schools accountable.
For great New Year's resolutions about graduation rates read the IDRA article at http://www.idra.org/School_Holding_Power/Graduation_for_All_e-Letter/ They provide an action agenda for school, community and family partners, and leaders.

