Dougherty County schools’ graduation rate tops state average for second straight year

ALBANY — The Dougherty County School System’s 2017 adjusted four-year cohort graduation rate bested the state average for the second straight year, increasing to 83.3 percent from 81.4 percent last year, according to recently released numbers from the Georgia Department of Education.

Three of the district’s four high schools, which graduated 881 students, showed improvement, according to the stats. Westover Comprehensive High School topped the list at 88.9 percent, Monroe Comprehensive High School was next at 86.5 percent, Albany High finished the year at 81.7 percent and Dougherty High improved nearly five percentage points to 75.9 percent.

“We’re proud of the continued progress that our schools are showing, “ Superintendent Ken Dyer said. “But now, we’re refocused more than ever on building a culture where high school graduation is the expectation and where even more students take advantage of programs like Dual Enrollment so they can walk the stage with both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree or technical certification.”

This year, the Dougherty County School System is expecting to enroll nearly 1,000 students in Dual Enrollment programs at its high schools and the Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy.

Every district in the metro Albany area topped the state average of 80.6 percent. Baker County graduated 18 students at a 90 percent rate; Calhoun Country graduated 46 students at 89.1 percent; Mitchell County graduated 119 students or 93.7 percent; Lee County graduated 385 students or 83.2 percent; Terrell County graduated 98 students or 91.6 percent, and Worth County graduated 193 students or 82.1 percent.

Statewide, Georgia’s high school graduation rate has increased for the fifth straight year, from 79.4 percent in 2016 to 80.6 percent in 2017.

This is the first year the state’s graduation rate has risen above 80 percent using the adjusted cohort calculation now required by federal law. Fifty Georgia school districts recorded 2017 graduation rates at or above 90 percent.

GaDOE officials said the graduation rate continues to rise as Georgia’s schools and districts increase students’ access to unique, personalized learning opportunities that keep students engaged – including Career Pathways, dual enrollment, AP and IB programs, work-based learning and internships. Local districts and schools are utilizing data more effectively to identify students’ individual learning needs; there is increased emphasis on a balanced curriculum that supports the whole child and a positive school climate that allows students to learn in a safe, supportive environment, according to state school officials.

“It’s wonderful to see Georgia’s graduation rate continue to rise — and rise above 80 percent this year — because we’re not just talking about data points,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “We’re talking about individual students who are moving on, ready and prepared, to their next phase of life. Georgia’s teachers, districts and schools are personalizing education for each individual student, making sure those students are motivated and encouraged to stay in the classroom because they’re engaged in their learning, because they see how their education connects with their future goals.

“I’m thrilled to see 80.6 percent of our students graduating, but we can’t stay here at 80.6 — we need to ensure opportunity for every single student in the state of Georgia. I’m confident we’re on our way and will reach that goal.”

The four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate is the number of students who graduate in four years with a regular high school diploma divided by the number of students who form the adjusted cohort for the graduating class. From the beginning of ninth grade, students who are entering that grade for the first time form a cohort that is subsequently “adjusted” by adding any students who transfer into the cohort during the next three years, and subtracting any students who transfer out.

While all states use the same calculation, each state sets its own requirements for students to earn a regular high school diploma. Georgia has some of the highest requirements in the nation for students to graduate with a regular diploma.

Georgia Graduation Rates – 2012 to 2017

• 2017 – 80.6 percent

• 2016 – 79.4 percent

• 2015 – 79.0 percent

• 2014 – 72.6 percent

• 2013 – 71.8 percent

• 2012 – 69.7 percent