Graduation rate affects Boston jobs

Posted on February 3, 2015

The all-time high graduation rate around the city will have a positive impact on Boston jobs.

Data released by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) shows the 2014 four-year graduation rate for BPS stands at 66.7 percent up from 65.9 percent in 2013, continuing an upward trend since 2006 when that figure was just over 59 percent. The data also shows the district’s annual dropout rate has dipped to a record low at 3.8 percent.

The district also showed impressive gains for English Language Learners (ELLs). Since 2006, ELL students four-year graduation rates increased by 7.4 points to 61.4 percent, showing a 1.3 percent increase over 2013.

Along those same lines, Boston International High School, an educational setting designed to support students who have newly arrived in the United States, has increased graduation rates from 31 percent to 61.5 percent in eight years, with a 16 percent percentage point gain over 2013.

Boston’s drop out rate dropped below 4 percent for the first time in history. At 3.8 percent the drop out rate for 2014 is the second consecutive year that the district has achieved its lowest dropout rate on record.

This good news extends to all students across all demographic groups, including English Language Learners, students with disabilities, and low income students. Ten schools have less than a 1 percent drop out rate, while another eight schools have fewer than 4 percent dropping out.

“This good news is a testament to the hard work of our students, teachers, school and community leaders,” said Mayor Walsh. “I am proud of our accomplishments, but I know the work is far from done. We must continue to invest in and strengthen our schools so that every young person has the opportunity to succeed.”

“Today we celebrate the hard work of many — and acknowledge that the road ahead is long,” said Interim Superintendent John McDonough. “I want to thank our high school headmasters, teacher teams and guidance counselors who work tirelessly every day. What you are doing is working.”