New Graduation Rate Effective This Year

Last year, all systems within Alabama benchmarked their graduation rate with a group of 9th graders who were set to graduate within 4 years and no later than the 2009-2010 school year.  It is imperative that all understand the means of acquiring the rate and sanctions of not meeting goal.

1. This year's cohort graduated last school year, 2010-2011.
2. Every child who began the 9th grade in 2006-2007 must be considered.
3. To count as a graduate for this cohort, each student must graduate within 4 years.
4. Credit is given for:
1. Honor and standard diplomas,
2. Credit based diplomas, and the
3. Alabama occupation diploma (this was not originally the case).
5. Students are removed from the cohort if:
1. they transfer to church or private schools or
2. transfer out-of-state.
6. Students that are not considered graduates are those who :
1. drop out,
2. withdrawn and whereabouts are unknown,
3. receive a certificate,
4. failed to complete all credit requirements,       
5. completed all required credits but failed to pass the required number of subject subtests of the AHSGE,
6. receive a GED, and are
7. no shows.

This information will, in the least, be used for:

1. Accountability and AYP,
2. An "apple to orange" comparison to charter schools,
3. An "apple to orange" comparison to private/parochial schools, and
4. media releases.

All of us must maintain our proactive status and implement preventative measures. Your principal will devise and implement a plan of action for obtaining and maintaing proficiency in this matter.