Oregon’s high school graduation rate has been one of the worst in the country. The Oregon Department of Education reports the rate has increased 1% to 74.8% which is about 1,300 more graduates than in 2015.
Here’s the full release from the Oregon Department of Education:
Oregon’s graduation rate continues to climb according to data released today. The four-year graduation rate for all students in the Class of 2016 is 74.8 percent, up from 73.8 percent for the Class of 2015 and 72.0 percent for the Class of 2014. More importantly, the graduation rate for almost all historically underserved student populations grew at a faster rate than the overall graduation rate.
“My goal is that students graduate high school with a plan for their futures, and we should celebrate 1,300 more Oregon students charting promising paths,” Governor Kate Brown said. “I remain committed to improving Oregon’s graduation rates, and will prioritize investments in the upcoming legislative session that empower communities and educators to improve graduation rates, particularly for historically underserved and rural communities.”
“It shows the dedication of our teachers and school administrators that graduation rates are increasing across the board,” said Deputy Superintendent Salam Noor. “We are making progress, while recognizing there is still more work to do. We are pleased our state’s focus on improving graduation outcomes for all students is making a difference.”
“These rate increases are encouraging signs of the impact that can occur when communities, educators, and schools work together to create equitable opportunities, forge strong relationships with students and families, and address the unique needs of each of our students,” said Education Innovation Officer Colt Gill. "Moving forward, our job is to effectively support our students and educators to ensure we erase historic gaps in achievement and meaningfully prepare our students for the future."
In total, Oregon graduated 1,300 more students in 2016 than in the previous year. Highlights of the report include significant gains in the student groups where the largest graduation gaps exist:
- African American students up 3.6 points to 66.1 percent (53.3 percent in 2011)
- American Indian/Alaska Native students up 1.4 points to 56.4 percent (50.8 percent in 2011)
- Hispanic/Latino students up 2.0 points to 69.4 percent (59.5 percent in 2011)
- Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students up 6.9 points to 70.1 percent (66.2 percent in 2011)
Ever English Learners (students who are now or ever have been classified as English Language Learners) up 4.2 points to 71.1 percent (58.0 percent in 2012, the first year of data collection for that group)
- Limited English Proficient students up 1.7 points to 52.9 percent (49.2 percent in 2011)
- Students with disabilities up 2.8 points to 55.5 percent (38.2 percent in 2011)
In addition, every other student demographic group demonstrated gains:
- Asian students up 0.5 points to 88.0 percent (80.7 percent in 2011)
- White students up 0.6 points to 76.6 percent (69.1 percent in 2011)
- Multi-Racial students up 1.7 points to 74.4 percent (69.1 percent in 2011)
- Female students up 0.6 points to 78.4 percent (72.9 percent in 2011)
- Male students up 1.3 points to 71.4 percent (64.3 percent in 2011)
“Closing the achievement gap is crucial to ensuring education equity in Oregon,” said Noor. “Although many of the gaps remain large, it is good news for all Oregonians when the disparity in graduation rates decreases. It is critical that we continue to work together to help Oregon students achieve at their highest potential.”