AL reports seismic increase in graduation rate to 89 percent

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - Alabama's high school senior graduation rate has climbed to a record 89 percent, according to the Alabama Department of Education. That's an exceptional increase from the 72 percent rate as recently as 2012. The state's graduation rate has been a touch subject, until now.

"If you don't own the brutal facts of where you are and state it out loud, you can't ever improve", State Superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice explained. "We took a chance and said 72 percent - not acceptable." Bice was joined by Gov. Robert Bentley Thursday to make the announcement of the new numbers.

That "chance" involved shifting major decision-making to the local district level, allowing system leaders to identify students' educational needs and opportunities. The chance was one portion of a larger vision for Alabama's schools called Plan 2020, setting a graduation rate goal of 90 percent for the year 2020, making all students college and career ready. There are still four years left to reach the goal of raising the rate just one more percent.

"In the past, we oftentimes tried to regulate best practices from Montgomery," Bice said. "There is no way I can understand the dynamics of 36 school systems and 1,500 schools," he stated.

An 89 percent graduation rate means nearly 9 out of every 10 students earned their diploma on time  in four years. Every percentage point increase represents around 600 more seniors walking across a stage to get their diploma. The remaining 11 percent includes students who are enrolled, but did not graduate in four years, as well as special education students.

"Preliminary data that says within that 89 percent, 68 percent are graduating with a credential that leads them into what comes next," Bice said. "Anything from enrollment into the military to an industry recognized credential, to an ACT benchmark score."

The Alabama Dept of Education says 10,000 more students are earning their high school diplomas annually than just four years ago.

"Today's news...is a testament to hardworking teachers, principals and other school staff who encourage and help our students meet their education goals and graduate," said Gov. Bentley.

"These graduation numbers are a huge indicator that Alabama students and teachers are working harder, and doing so with higher academic standards than were previously used," Bice said. "This most recent graduating class completed most of their high school coursework under the Alabama College and Career Ready Standards; standards that are more aligned with the expectations of business and industry, as well as colleges and universities."

Here's a snapshot of the public schools in the Montgomery area that are in-line with the state's graduation rate.

Autauga County Schools reported a 90 percent graduation rate*
Billingsley High School: 94 percent
Prattville High School: 92 percent
Marbury High School: 86 percent
Autaugaville High School: 80 percent 
*WSFA 12 News calculations show this is an 88 percent average, despite the superintendent's claim of 90. We are waiting for a response from the school system.

Elmore County Schools reported a 90 percent graduation rate
Elmore County High School: 94 percent
Stanhope Elmore High School: 92 percent
Wetumpka High School: 90 percent
Holtville High School: 85 percent

Montgomery County Schools reported a 79 percent graduation rate
Booker T Washington Magnet High School: 100 percent
Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School: 100 percent 
Carver High School: 76 percent 
Jefferson Davis High School: 82 percent 
LAMP: 100 percent 
Lanier High School: 71 percent 
Lee High School 75 percent 
MTEC: 90 percent 

*We are still waiting on numbers from Montgomery Public Schools

Bice warned there is no silver bullet or single issue that addresses increases in graduation rates. Instead work has to be done to identify barriers that hinder student success. Greater support and encouragement at school and in the home also factor into a successful educational outcome, he said.

"We have a long way to go," according to Bice, "but we are encouraged by movement in the right direction that shows Alabama's best days in public education are ahead."

[DOCUMENT: Alabama's Plan 2020 (.pdf)]

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