High School Graduation
The high school graduation rate is a powerful indicator of the health of the school systems in the Hampton Roads region and of the future success of its young citizens.
Why is This Important?
The high school graduation rate is one measure of the success of the elementary and secondary educational system and the quality of the workforce. Completion of high school or its equivalent is increasingly the minimum level of education sought by employers; moreover, unemployment rates are lower and lifetime earnings are substantially higher for high school graduates than high school dropouts.
How is Hampton Roads Doing?
The Hampton Roads region's on-time graduation rate has improved by nearly 6 percentage points over the last three school years, rising from 79.0 percent in 2007-08 to 84.8 percent in 2010-2011. However, this rate remained below the statewide average of 86.6 percent and was second lowest among all Virginia regions; with an 82.3 percent graduation rate, only the Eastern region was lower.
What Influences High School Graduation?
Socio-economic factors play a role in graduation and dropout rates. In a 2006 report, Civic Enterprises studied the trend of falling graduation rates and higher dropout rates. They cited lack of motivation, financial troubles, poor preparation, and lack of success as common reasons some students did not complete their studies. Family income can ensure a stable financial environment. Parents and educators can exert positive influence in preparing children for success in high school, as well as helping them cope with difficulties, both personal and academic. The parents' education level is strongly correlated with a student's own academic achievement.
Data Definitions and Sources
Data Source: Virginia Department of Education. The high school on-time graduation rate is calculated as the percentage of the cohort of students entering the freshman class four years earlier who graduated on time. The measure accounts for students who moved and who were held back or promoted.
A graduate may receive one of the following documents:
- Standard Diploma
- Advanced Diploma (count includes those students who receive the International Baccalaureate Diploma)
- Special Diploma -- for students with a disability who complete the requirements of their individualized education programs (IEP)
- Modified Standard Diploma
- General Achievement Diploma (GAD)
Civic Enterprises, "The Silent Epidemic, Perspectives of High School Dropouts," March 2006. (PDF)
See the Data Sources and Updates Calendar for a detailed list of the data resources used for indicator measures on Hampton Roads Performs.
