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Minnesota Milestones 2010: High School Graduation

 
 
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Indicator 10: High School Graduation

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Rationale: A high school diploma is a sign of basic academic competence. It is generally considered a minimum requirement for entry into the workforce and is an essential prerequisite for additional education and training.
About this indicator: The percentage of students graduating from high school on time has remained steady at about 73 percent.

Graduation rates were compiled by Twin Cities Compass and reflect the requirement of Adequate Yearly Progress measurements under the No Child Left Behind Act. Further information may be found at http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/guid/hsgrguidance.pdf

The rate presented here is the new Four-Year Graduation Rate that will become the official Adequate Yearly Progress rate beginning in the 2010-2011 school year. This rate considers first time ninth grade students in the cohort, adds students transferring into the cohort, subtracts students transferring out of the cohort, and computes how many graduate “on-time” (within four years). This new Four-Year on-time Graduation Rate will eventually allow for state and national comparisons of graduation rates, once all states implement the uniform methodology.

Percent of students graduating from high school on time


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Percent of students graduating from high school on time
YearData
Percent of students graduating from high school on time, Minnesota Department of Education
2004 71.9%
2005 72.9%
2006 73.4%
2007 73.3%
2008 72.8%
For comparison: The AYP-based method differs from previous approaches to calculating high school graduation, for example the National Governors Association (NGA) method. The NGA method allowed extra time for students with limited English proficiency and special education students to graduate. The new Four-year Graduation Rate does not make these exceptions. It also excludes any alternative degrees that are not fully aligned with a State’s academic standards
Sources:
Related 2002 Milestones indicator:
Local data:

Milestones is a product of the Minnesota State Demographic Center, a division of the Department of Administration