Graduation rates increase at South Tahoe High

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today reported California’s cohort graduation rate climbed for the fifth year in a row in 2014 to a record high, with the biggest jump taking place among English learners.

Among students who started high school in 2010-11, 80.8 percent graduated with their class in 2014, up 0.4 of a percentage point from the year before. The California graduation rate has increased substantially since the class of 2010 posted a 74.7 percent rate.

At South Tahoe High, 94% of the students who started as freshman in 2010-11 graduated with their class in 2014, which is up from 93.1% in 2013. The school follows the statewide trend with an increase in graduation rates from 2009's low of 91.5% but not every year has been an increase in South Lake Tahoe.

The highest graduation rate seen in South Lake Tahoe since cohort groups were followed (students who entered the school as freshman and stayed four years) was in 2012. That year, 95.4% of South Tahoe High students graduated and 89.9% overall in the district.

Last year, 95% of Hispanics graduated, 93.8% of Filipino, 93.3% of whites and 90% of Asian students. Hispanics had the biggest rise in graduation rates from 89.7% in 2013.

For Lake Tahoe Unified (South Tahoe High, Mt. Tallac and Transitional Learning Center), graduation rates fell from 84.9% to 84%.

For California, the graduation rates of most student groups also rose in 2014. The graduation rate among English learners increased 2.2 percentage points from the year before and is now at 65.3 percent. For Hispanic or Latino students, the rate is 76.4 percent, up 0.7 of a percentage point from the year before. However, for African American students, the rate is 68.1 percent, unchanged from the year before.

“Our record high graduation rate is great news, especially since it is occurring at the same time we are raising academic standards,” said Torlakson. “This is more evidence that the dramatic changes taking place in our schools are gradually helping to improve teaching and learning in every classroom. We have raised academic standards, started online testing, given local districts more flexibility in spending, and provided more resources to students who need it most.”

Torlakson said he believes the extra resources flowing into our schools have helped schools add staff and reinvigorate many programs intended to help students graduate. In addition, he said, the collection of more precise data has put a spotlight on graduation rates, helping teachers and administrators adjust instruction for all students, but particularly for those most in danger of failing or dropping out.

Despite the record graduation rates, Torlakson said there is still much work to be done. “I challenge educators, parents, students, and community leaders to continue the hard work needed to help every student graduate,” he said, “and to make a special effort to raise graduation rates for English learners and Latino and African American students.”