State's Graduation Rate Rises to 91.8%

Wisconsin's high school graduation rate - already one of the highest in the nation - increased last year to 91.8%, according to figures released Thursday (March 11, 2004) by the Department of Public Instruction. In 2001-02, the state's rate was 90.9%.

Wisconsin's dropout rate - calculated differently - held nearly steady, rising slightly from 1.93% to 1.97%, according the School Performance Report.

"More students than ever before are graduating from our public schools," WEAC President Stan Johnson said. "Nearly three-quarters of them are going on to post-secondary education, creating an educated workforce for the economy. They are receiving a top-quality education from the most highly qualified teachers in the nation."

Johnson noted that the School Performance Report also shows that 98.6% of Wisconsin's teachers are considered highly qualified under the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

"Our teachers and education support professionals are creating classrooms that work throughout Wisconsin," he said. "We are working to ensure every kid attends a great school."

State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster said dropout rates for Asian, African American and Hispanic students all increased slightly from the previous year.

“We should rejoice in Wisconsin’s increased graduation rate, the highest it has been in five years," she said. "However, even one dropout is too many. We must remain diligent in our efforts to close the achievement gap between children of color and their peers. We know that small class sizes, early childhood education, quality educators in every classroom, and strong parental and community support help students stay engaged in their learning and successful in school."

Complete DPI report (clicking on this link opens a pdf file)

Posted March 12, 2004