The Virtual Library:
Dropout and Graduation Rates

CLICK TO RETURN TO: VIRTUAL LIBRARY TABLE OF CONTENTS

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): This is the defining arbiter of legitimate methods of analyzing graduation rates. This methodological review reveals the preferred way the Federal officials prefer to use. This summary report explains the range of methods used by different states. This full report covers a wealth of background for those more interested.

State-Level Reporting of High School Outcomes and Post-Secondary Readiness Data: This report by the National Association of System Heads is a startling document, showing that educators in different states speak different languages when it comes to discussing graduation rates. The survey documents every state's approach. Highly useful.

High School Graduation Rates in the United States: Policy people and education researchers will find Jay Greene's research report here. In considerable depth, he faults the National Center for Education Statistics for accepting diplomas like the GED as equivalent to a high school diploma. He also faults districts for "severe self-reporting problems" and offers evidence why some reported dropout rates are "implausibly low." His research was commissioned by the Black Alliance for Educational Options.