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State applauds grad rates

Catawba County Schools

Catawba County Schools is fifth in the state for its graduation rate, at 83.8 percent. It has moved up two places from last year, and the graduation rate increased more than two percentage points, from 81.2 percent.

Catawba County Schools also is first in graduation rates among school districts with 12,000 or more students.

"I think we have a lot of different programs that have helped us," said Tim Markley, superintendent of Catawba County Schools. "We offer a minimum credit diploma, we have online courses, we have Challenger (Early College High School). We're trying to meet the needs of different folks."

He also cited changing the requirements of dropout coordinators. Previously, they only had to be certified teachers. That was changed a few years ago, though, so they were either counselors or social workers.

Teachers are building relationships with the students, which helps.

Markley said there is also special emphasis on the freshmen class.

"All the high schools have transition programs," he said. "Sixteen is the legal age for dropping out of school, so we're trying to ensure they stay in."

Students are starting to realize that dropping out of school isn't a realistic option in today's economy.

"Kids are learning that a high school diploma is just a starting point for life," Markley said. "You can't find work in a textile factory anymore."

If you look at Catawba County Schools' five-year graduation cohort rate, Markley said it is actually close to 90 percent. Some students just need a year longer to get their diploma.

Fred T. Foard High is one school in the system that already has a graduation rate at nearly 90 percent.

It was recognized as one of two schools in the state for the highest graduation rate for schools with cohorts between 200 and 299. Foard had 89.7 percent of its students graduating. The other school recognized was White Oak High in Onslow County.

"Our students do a really good job," said Sally Bradshaw, principal of Foard High. "The staff works really hard. They deliver content so the students can get their diplomas."

She said the staff helps show students which courses would be most beneficial to them, then supports students once they're in those courses, so they can be successful.

Bradshaw also credited the community that surrounds the students.

"They come from a strong community and parents who wants them to be successful," she said.

She said online courses have helped, as well.

She's not stopping at 89.7 percent, though.

"We recognize that we're still only graduating 9 out of 10 students," Bradshaw said. "This year, we're starting new things with student government. We have a staff development plan so every teacher can continue their mastery of tools to improve. We're also working with social services and the counseling department in trying to provide extra support."

Markley has a few plans for the system, as well. He said the administration is working to find out why the schools were not successful with students who dropped out, and work with them. The state has raised the graduation standards in some areas, which will be a new goal for schools to reach.

Newton-Conover Health Science High School

All eight students graduated from the school last year. As one of only seven schools with 100 percent graduation rate, the school received special recognition by the state.

Newton-Conover City Schools Superintendent Barry Redmond said he was proud of the school and said the teachers take special time with the students there.

"These teachers are very intentional to know each child well and keep them engaged," he said. "It is not an option to drop out. They spend time with the students after school, with clubs."

Redmond said the school has started something new this year as students keep track of their own academic progress. The school also holds more student conferences than other schools frequently do.

"The mindset is that all the students will go to at least a two-year college," Redmond said.

He also attributed the success of the students to all the teachers those students had, from kindergarten through their senior year.

"The skill set is usually there by third grade, of whether they'll make it or not," Redmond said. "It's a credit to all teachers that the graduation rates continue to climb."

As a whole, Newton-Conover City Schools' graduation rate was 76 percent, which also takes into account Newton-Conover High School and Conover School. Last year, the district's graduation rate was 81 percent.