Publication Title:

State Approaches to More Reliable and Uniform Dropout and Graduation Data

Publication
Author(s):

National High School Center

Alignment with ARRA:

ARRA areas aligning with this product:

• Data Use
• Standards/Assessment
• Teacher Effectiveness
• Turnaround Schools

A key priority for the use of ARRA funds is to build and use statewide data systems. This resource provides guidance for states for tracking dropout rates and using data to direct resources more effectively.

For more details on how ARRA funds can apply to dropout prevention and data systems, please view our ARRA resources on our ARRA Web page.

Publication Key Points:

This issue brief outlines the urgent need for more accurate dropout and graduation data. By drawing on two prominent methods for calculating graduation rates-the National Governors Association's endorsed longitudinal approach and the Averaged Freshman Graduation Rate (AFGR)-this brief outlines how data are needed to track dropout trends and patterns, as well as how to direct resources and effective strategies to improve graduation rates.

Publication Key Challenges:

With an estimated 7,000 students dropping out of high school each day, states are seeking guidance to improve their methods of collecting and using dropout data. By offering a side-by-side analysis of two approaches to standardizing dropout rates, as well as information on states with strong data systems, this brief gives states a starting point for developing better strategies for using dropout data.

How Audience(s) Can Use This Product to Address Challenges:

Some suggestions for how states and districts can use this brief include:

• Distribute to state- and local-level personnel in Data and Research/Education Statistics divisions;
• Distribute to state chapters of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and other relevant associations;
• Encourage appropriate state-level personnel, such as administrators of School Improvement funds, to develop a PowerPoint presentation on content for use in district meetings regarding high school improvement;
• Suggest that state personnel encourage districts to share in newsletters and other correspondences; and
• Link in e-blast to districts from the state, etc.

Production Citation:

National High School Center. (2007, August). State approaches to more reliable and uniform dropout and graduation data. Washington, DC: National High School Center at the American Institutes for Research.

Related National High School Center Products

• What Matters for Staying On-Track and Graduating in Chicago Public Schools: A Focus on Students with Disabilities
• Developing Early Warning Systems to Identify Potential High School Dropouts [Early Warning System Guide]
• Dropout Prevention for Students With Disabilities: A Critical Issue for State Education Agencies
• High School Dropout: A Quick Stats Fact Sheet
• Meeting the Needs of Significantly Struggling Learners in High School: A Look at Approaches to Tiered Intervention
• New Hampshire's Multi-Tiered Approach to Dropout Prevention
• Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Dropping Out: A Quick Stats Fact Sheet
• State Approaches to More Reliable and Uniform Dropout and Graduation Data
• Approaches to Dropout Prevention: Heeding Early Warning Signs With Appropriate Interventions