In the past, Texas schools could consider students who quit school to earn a GED to be four-year graduates. But in 2003 the Texas Legislature redefined the definition of a dropout and this practice was discontinued. The change went into effect last year, effectively doubling the state’s dropout rate.
According to Academic Excellence Indicator System reports released this month by the Texas Education Agency, Texas schools went from having a four-year graduate dropout rate of 4.3 percent in 2005 to 8.8 percent in 2006. The Temple school district jumped from a 2.5 percent rate to 11 percent. The Belton school district went from 1 percent to 5.4 percent.
J.J. Villarreal is assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for the Temple school district and was Temple High School principal when the change went into effect. He said the numbers jumped so drastically because of the new dropout definition and not because of decrease in the number of Temple students leaving school with diplomas.
He also said that recent changes could punish school districts twice for students who continue for a fifth year of high school. He said if a student doesn’t graduate and comes back for more classes - then fails again - that student will be considered a dropout twice.
Villarreal hopes that things like the new ninth-grade academy will keep students in school by getting them interested in a career track early. He said the school is taking a long hard look at electives to make sure they are “rigorous and relevant.”
He said the main way to combat the dropout rate is for people to take a more active role in getting students to come to school.
“I would also say we need to continue to be concerned (about absences). You can’t help a kid who is not there, and community support and making sure kids are in school is the No. 1 factor.”
The 2006-07 Academic Excellence Indicator System reports are available at www.tea.state.tx.us.
kchandler@temple-telegram.com
