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More students in the Los Angeles Unified School District are getting a high school diploma.
A report from the school district states high school graduation rates increased 12 percent, from 65 percent in the 2012-2013 school year to 77 percent in the 2013-2014 school year.
The report broke graduation rates up into demographics:
During the 2013-2014 school year, 71 percent of black students and 76 percent of Latino students graduated. Eighty-four percent of white students and 87 percent of Asian students also earned their diplomas during that school year.
Students will disabilities increased their graduation rates as well, moving from 41 percent to 57 percent.
However, the percentage of students who were still learning English dropped in graduation rates by 2 percent from 29 percent to 27 percent.
Although the Los Angeles Unified School District has made progress within its schools, the district still falls behind compared to other schools in California.
But Tom Torlakson, California's school chief, stated in a press release that California students and school employees should be proud of their accomplishment.
According to the release, the 2013-2014 school year was the first time graduation rates topped 80 percent in the state.
Along with the rise in the statewide graduation rate came a decrease in the number of dropouts, 11.6 percent, down 1.5 percent from the previous school year.
Employees with the Los Angeles Unified School District believe an increase in the number of afterschool programs is part of the reason for the higher graduation rate.
According to Afterschool Alliance, "a study of outcomes associated with participation in afterschool programs found that students regularly participating" in enrichment programs improve "work habits and self-efficacy" along with other educational benefits.
Dr. Richard Vladovic, LAUSD's School Board President, was quoted in a report saying the district's goal is to reach a 100 percent graduation rate.
Annenberg Media
