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RCPS graduation rate increases, continues above state
Posted on 09/18/2019
Graduation caps being tossed in the airConyers, Ga. – Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) graduation rate increased and remains above the state average, which also increased for 2019. The Georgia Department of Education recently released the four-year graduation rate for 2019. The State of Georgia average increased to 82.0 percent, up from 81.6 percent last year. RCPS increased to 82.7, up from 81.8 last year.

“I commend our high schools for continuing to outpace the state’s graduation rate by graduating students within four years fully equipped with college and career readiness skills that are required to be successful in both college and the workplace,” said Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts. “In addition to increasing our graduation rate, we also increased the number of students completing a career pathway which means that not only are we increasing the quantity but also the quality of our graduates,” said Dr. Oatts. “A strategic focus that will continue to enhance our graduation rate going forward is ensuring a developmentally appropriate, high quality, and seamless K-12 advisement for our students.”

In its press release, the Georgia Department of Education states the four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate is required by federal law. “I’m proud today of Georgia’s teachers and students, who are doing the on-the-ground work that leads to increases in our graduation rate and other indicators – including NAEP and Georgia Milestones scores,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “Moving forward, we must continue to focus on offering a relevant education and preparing every child for their future – not a one-size-fits-all system that sends every student in the same direction, but a tailored and personalized pathway based on a student’s academic and career interests and future goals.”

How Georgia calculates its graduation rate:

•    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.* 

Adjusted Cohort Rate Definition: 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.

*The individual RCPS high school adjusted cohorts for 2019 included specialty program students that were not included in their 2018 cohorts.