Graduation rate is high, leading to more Chicago jobs

Posted on April 30, 2014

The high school graduation rate in the city is now 82%, leading to the growth and fulfillment of more Chicago jobs.

The Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) new targeted strategy to reduce course failure in the ninth grade has put CPS students on-track to achieve an 82 percent graduation rate, an increase of 25 percent from 2007.

From expanding early childhood education to providing a full school day and full school year, Mayor Emanuel and CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett are committed to ensuring that students graduate from all of Chicago’s high schools prepared for college.

The City has also increased opportunities available at different school models, such as creating International Baccalaureate campuses and expanding selective enrollment to give parents and guardians more high-quality academic choices for their children.

Using data to monitor the level of CPS student dropout risk throughout the ninth grade year, teachers employed diverse strategies to intervene before students fell too far behind.

CPS’ goal was to match the type of intervention to the specific needs of the student and prevent a dramatic decline in grades and attendance that many CPS students experience when they transition to high school.

Teachers used interventions such as calls home when students missed class, algebra tutoring, and homework assistance.

“The freshmen on-track graduation rate is an encouraging sign of the progress our students are making with the support they receive from dedicated teachers, administrators and parents,” said CPS CEO Byrd-Bennett. “This a testament to the work we’ve done to expand access to high-quality programs for students across the city, and we will continue to work hard on behalf of students in every neighborhood so that they are equipped with the tools they need to graduate. Last year the District realized a record-high graduation rate, and we continue to build on this momentum until every student graduates 100 percent college ready, and 100 percent college bound.”