Oklahoma graduation rates remain steady despite ongoing budgetary challenges

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 2, 2017) – Oklahoma’s high school graduation rate remained steady at 83 percent at the end of the 2014-2015 school year, keeping pace with national graduation rates of 82 percent in 2014 and 83 percent in 2015.

“I am encouraged that Oklahoma’s graduation rates are keeping pace with national rates despite widespread budget cuts and the teacher shortage,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. “This is a testament to the hard work of our students as well as our teachers, administrators and support staff in public schools across the state.”

The overall graduation rates for Oklahoma’s 10 largest school districts also remained steady.

Graduation rates are calculated based on a four-year adjusted cohort as required by the U.S. Department of Education. The cohort follows students from the time they enter as freshmen to graduation, calculating the percentage of students who graduate within the traditional four years. 

While all states utilize the same graduation cohort, graduation requirements can vary widely by state. In Oklahoma, all students who receive a high school diploma are expected to pass a college preparatory and work ready curriculum aligned with Oklahoma college admission course requirements. After changes last year resulting from the passage of House Bill 3218, students are no longer required to pass four of seven End-of-Instruction (EOI) exams to graduate. 

For 2015 graduation rates by district, click here. For additional information about Oklahoma graduation rates, click here.

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