Graduation Rate Rises Across All Student Groups to Highest Ever

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Governor Gina M. Raimondo today recognized North Providence High
School for attaining the highest graduation rate in the state at 98 percent.

«Congratulations to the entire North Providence High School community,» Raimondo
said. «You’ve shown that with dedication and by focusing on the individual learning
needs of each student, we can dramatically improve graduation rates and prepare
all students for success.»
As part of a student assembly at the high school, she also announced that the four-year
statewide graduation rate for the Class of 2015 rose to 83 percent, its highest
rate ever. The rate is 2 percentage points higher than the previous year’s rate
and represents a 6-point improvement over the past three years (since the Class
of 2012).
Across the state, 24 high schools had a graduation rate of 90 percent or better.
A number of schools made significant one-year gains, with Burrillville High School,
Central High School (Providence), Mount Pleasant High School (Providence), and Rogers
High School (Newport) all improving by 10 points or more since the previous year.
«We have made good progress this year, but we still have a long road ahead to get
to where we need to be,» Raimondo said. «Going forward, we need to continue to improve
graduation rates and we need to be sure a diploma truly signifies that our graduates
have the skills that matter for jobs that pay.»
The improvement was seen across all student groups, with graduation rates among
black students up 5.2 points from last year, Hispanic students up 5.6 points,
low-income
students up 4.5 points, students with disabilities up 7.5 points and English learners
up 4.5 points.
«Congratulations to the students and teachers in Rhode Island high schools on their
progres toward improving our statewide graduation rates,» Board of Education Chair
Barbara S. Cottam said. «We need to continue this progress in the years ahead, ensuring
that every student is engaged in learning and is building the skills that matter
for the workforce of tomorrow.»
«Earning the high school diploma is a significant milestone on the road to success,»
Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Chair Daniel P. McConaghy said. «Data
from the state Department of Labor and Training show that unemployment among those
without a high school diploma tops 12 percent – more than twice the statewide
unemployment
rate. In order to be sure that our graduates have a place in our future economy,
we need to keep students on the pathway toward graduation.»
«I am pleased with the improvement in our graduation rates, although we all must
recognize that not all of our graduates are truly prepared for success in
postsecondary
schooling and in challenging careers,» Education Commissioner Ken Wagner said. «We
need to find a way to close the gap between completion and readiness while making
sure that all students are on a pathway leading them toward a diploma and
industry-recognized
credentials. Empowering schools and families while focusing on advanced coursework
and personalized instruction for all students will help us achieve this goal.»
«I am deeply honored that the Governor and our state’s education leaders are
celebrating
this great achievement of our North Providence High School students,» North Providence
Mayor Charles A. Lombardi said. «We are extremely proud that they attained the highest
graduation rate in the state this past year, and we look forward to their continued
successes and high graduation rates.»
The graduation rate released today is the four-year graduation rate for the Class
of 2015 (students who entered high school in the 2011-12 school year). Among that
class, 8.6 percent of students are still in school, in need of more time to earn
a diploma, 1.5 percent are in GED programs and 6.7 percent have dropped out of
school.