California’s High School Graduation Rates Reach New Heights

Introduction to Graduation Rates

State officials on Thursday celebrated new heights in just-released high school graduation rates, though similar achievement levels were not seen in other measures of student learning. California’s graduation rate of 87.5% is the highest since the launch of the state’s current accountability dashboard in 2017. That rate is up 4.5 percentage points since 2017 and 1.1 percentage points from last year.

Groups Showing Improvement

Groups that were behind generally improved more than those that were already doing well. This narrowed the gap separating those with the highest graduation rates — Asians and whites — from other groups, including Latino students, Black students and those in foster care. The rate for white students declined slightly but was essentially flat.

Reaction from State Officials

Although Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office — and other state officials — positioned the results as a strong positive, Newsom’s statement was measured. “The more we can invest time, energy, and resources into our kids, the better their future can be,” Newsom said. “Whether that future consists of college or jumping right into our state’s workforce, we are going to continue our shared commitment to ensuring students and educators have the resources they need to be successful and pursue their California Dream.”

Shift in Educational Approach

Nationwide, the pendulum has shifted profoundly from a period when school officials ratcheted up graduation requirements as a way to spur student achievement. The get-tough approach still has proponents, but critics argued that it increased the number of dropouts while providing too little benefit.

Discrepancy Between Graduation Rates and Learning Measures

High and improving graduation rates typically do not align with other measures, most notably scores on state and national standardized tests — as is the case with the California data released Thursday. The state’s complex barometer of college and career readiness rated 51.7% of graduates as meeting the standard. On the plus side, that number was higher than last year’s.

Understanding College and Career Readiness

Students can qualify as “college ready” in various ways, for example by completing two Advanced Placement courses with a grade of C− or better. One way to become “career ready” is to complete a registered pre-apprenticeship. Another is to complete one semester of a career technical education course with a C− or better and also complete a program affiliated with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Job Corps, YouthBuild or California Conservation Corps.

Concerns Over Student Absenteeism

Other California data released Thursday provided cause for concern, including the percentage of students chronically absent, which tallies how many students miss at least 10% of school. At 19.4% for the 2024-25 school year, that figure was down slightly from the previous year but still means that about 1 in 5 students was chronically absent. The rate prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was 12.1%, which educators considered too high at the time.

National Trends in Graduation Rates

Graduation Rates Soared Across the U.S.

Rising graduation rates have been ubiquitous across the country as educators have substantially cracked the code in eliminating high dropout rates. But producing more graduates does not automatically equate to higher student achievement. The National Assessment of Educational Progress, which periodically tests a sample of students and is known as the nation’s report card, showed flat or declining scores in English language arts and math.

Educational Policy Shifts

In an effort to help students who stayed in school but performed poorly on standardized tests, California was among the majority of states that eliminated passing an exit exam as a requirement to receive a diploma. And virtually all school districts in the state — like others across the country — introduced online credit recovery that allows students to catch up quickly on missing credits for coursework.

Expert Insights

“The evidence on those exit exams was pretty weak, in that they didn’t appear to boost learning,” said Fordham Institute president Mike Petrilli. “And policymakers at the state and local level weren’t eager to deny diplomas to kids who stuck it out — even if they could barely read — so the number of states with those exams has dwindled to single digits.”

Impact on Adult Literacy and Numeracy

The percentage of U.S. adults with minimal reading skills increased from 19% in 2017 to 28% in 2023, according to federal data. For young adults aged 16 to 24, the percentage of those who struggle to read increased from 16% to 25% during the same period. In numeracy — the ability to understand and use numbers in everyday situations — the percentage of low-performing adults increased from 29% in 2017 to 34% in 2023.

The Value of a Diploma

Nonetheless, research has indicated that having a diploma is better than not having one, regardless of the skills the diploma embodies. Compared to non-graduates, for example, high school graduates are healthier and make more money. “It’s never been easier to graduate high school in America than it is today,” said Petrilli, who has convened other analysts on the topic. “We seem to have decided — without much public debate — to make the diploma a certificate of attendance rather than an indication of achievement. The good news is that fewer kids are dropping out and hanging out on the streets. The bad news is that we’re giving a lot of young people the false impression that they are ready for what comes next.”

Success Stories and Strategies

California officials are aware of the disconnect between graduation rates and other measures of learning. In highlighting school systems where graduation rates increased, they also looked for other measures of improvement. The education department singled out the Culver City Unified School District for its 97.2% graduation rate — up 3.6 percentage points over the previous year. Culver City district leaders said they focus on the social and emotional well-being of students, including with mental health counselors. The school system also relies on literacy coaches and reading specialists and prioritizes its college and career center.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while California’s high school graduation rates have reached new heights, there is a noticeable discrepancy between these rates and other measures of student learning. As educators and policymakers, it is crucial to address this gap by implementing strategies that not only increase graduation rates but also ensure that students are adequately prepared for college and careers. This includes focusing on the social and emotional well-being of students, providing strong reading and writing foundations, and offering targeted support when needed.

FAQs

• Q: What is California’s current high school graduation rate?
  A: California’s graduation rate is 87.5%, the highest since the launch of the state’s current accountability dashboard in 2017.
• Q: How do graduation rates compare to other measures of student learning?
  A: High and improving graduation rates do not always align with other measures, such as scores on state and national standardized tests.
• Q: What strategies have been successful in improving graduation rates and student learning?
  A: Focusing on the social and emotional well-being of students, providing strong reading and writing foundations, and offering targeted support when needed have been successful strategies.
• Q: What is the significance of the diploma in terms of future outcomes?
  A: Having a diploma is associated with better health and higher earnings compared to not having one, regardless of the skills the diploma embodies.