News Brief

11/13/12

Gains Made in South Carolina Graduation Rates, State Report Card Ratings

WJBF ABC-6 (GA) (11/13/12) Key, Randy

The South Carolina Department of Education released data that shows more students graduated on time in 2012 than in 2011, with the rate increasing from 73.6 percent to 74.9 percent. The graduation rates of black, Hispanic, and subsidized school-meal students are at their highest levels since the department began releasing subgroup performance data in 2004. The graduation rate gap between white and black students declined by 0.2 percent in 2012, while the gap with Hispanic students declined 5.1 percent since 2004. State Superintendent of Education Mick Zais said, "Students, parents, and teachers deserve the credit for the gains made in graduation rates. The prospects for long-term economic growth and job creation improve as more students graduate from high school with the skills necessary to compete for jobs in the workforce, enlist in the military, or enroll in an institution of higher education. The path to prosperity for South Carolina's economy begins, but does not end, with greater numbers of high school graduates." The 2012 state report card also shows that 72 out of 84 school districts received a rating of "Average" or above, up four districts from totals in 2011. Dr. Zais says growth is good, but that more must be done to improve student and school performance. He also notes that he hoped to streamline and unify the two accountability systems currently in effect to ensure greater transparency and performance standards.

This news brief was summarized for Chiefline, CCSSO's weekly newsletter. Click here to receive Chiefline in your inbox weekly. Newsbrief Copyright 2012 INFORMATION, INC.