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Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said 87.2 percent of high schoolers graduated that year, which is, he said, “significantly higher” than the national average of 82.3 percent.
This is a testament, the governor said, to the “hard work of our teachers, principals, superintendents, parents, and community partners.”
The state’s commissioner of education, Dianna R. Wentzell, joined Malloy in making the announcement.
Rates for the state’s Alliance District schools reached 77.6 percent in 2015, up from 71.2 percent in 2011, she and Malloy said.
The numbers were even more dramatic where the state’s 10 “highest need” Education Reform districts were looked at, Malloy said.
They rose eight points over a five-year period ending in 2015, to 71.6 percent.
“We are making critical strides as we continue to raise expectations for our students,” Malloy said, adding “Process is happening.”
For four-year cohort graduation rates by state, district and school, visit the Connecticut State Department of Education’s new data portal, EdSight, by clicking here.
Other graduation rate stats to consider:
- High-needs students: Rose by 11.2 percent to 76.1 percent. (High-needs students include English learners, those eligible for free or reduced price lunch, and those receiving special education services.)
- Black students: Reached 78.1 percent in 2015, up 6.9 points since 2011.
- Hispanic students: Rose to 74.8 percent in 2015, up 10.6 points since 2011.
- English learners: Came in at 66.7 percent in 2015, up 7.3 points since 2011.
“Graduating from high school is a huge accomplishment made possible through years of hard work, commitment to goals, and growth,” Wentzell said.
“The fact that Connecticut’s graduation rate continues to climb means we are moving one step closer to our goal of ensuring every student has the tools and knowledge to succeed in college, career, and life,” she added.
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