Alabama changes graduation rate calculation formula

The state of Alabama began calculating its graduation rates a little bit differently this year, and the change has caused a little confusion about the percentages of students that graduated this year, compared with previous years. 

"As result of some media coverage on the subject of graduation rates referring to a ‘drop’ compared to previous years, I find myself compelled to reiterate what was discussed at the May 27 State Board meeting where these numbers were revealed,” said State Superintendent of Education Tommy Bice in a recent press release. “Because a totally new formula is being used you cannot compare this year's numbers to last year’s, therefore it is impossible to have a drop in graduation rates. This year starts the new baseline by which future years can be compared. It is a misconception and unfair to teachers, students and parents alike to call the adjustment a drop.”

The changes Dr. Bice is referring to revolve around who is considered a graduate.

“We use to use a calculation that was approved after No Child Left Behind was initiated that pertained to graduates who started in the ninth grade and graduated on time and also ones that were held back but still graduated,” said Malissa Valdes-Hubert, a public information manager for the Alabama Department of Education. “This old calculation also included what we call ‘completers,’ which are usually special education students who complete an individualized education program but do not receive a traditional high school diploma.”

Hubert said that Alabama has now committed to the National Governor’s Association’s Four-Year Cohort Graduate Calculation.

Hubert said that all states would change to this method by next year, once they have met the data requirements.

“The new calculations count students who start high school in the ninth grade and graduate on time only,” Hubert said. “In other words, if you are held back a year, this new formula does not count you as a graduate, even though you still graduate high school.”

Hubert said the National Governor’s Association is looking at changing the formula to a 5-year cohort calculation, which would include students who have been held back once.

Hubert said that formula is still in works and wouldn’t take effect until next year, if it were implemented at all.

“The public deserves a true representation of what is happening in public education in Alabama,” Bice said. “This new baseline serves as a starting point by which we will be able to measure our progress going forward.”