Officials question plan

• By WILL SENTELL
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Oct 27, 2009 - Page: 7A

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Public school superintendents on Monday questioned whether it is feasible for Louisiana to improve its high school graduation rate by 20 percent in the next five years.

Senate Education Committee Chairman Ben Nevers, who sponsored the law that set the target, said he is serious about meeting the goal.

“I wouldn’t have proposed it if I did not think it was feasible,” said Nevers, a Bogalusa Democrat. “But I would say it is a very aggressive number.”

The U.S. Department of Education last week said Louisiana ranks 47th in its high school graduation rate, based on 2007 figures, the latest national figures available.

State officials said 66.6 percent of high school students graduated on time earlier this year.

However, Nevers’ legislation sets a goal of 80 percent by spring 2014, which would be a 20 percent increase from the current rate.

The federal study listed 16 states with graduation rates of 80 percent or better.

Gary Jones, president of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, noted the goal was set at a time when school districts are facing reductions in money and personnel.

“On the one hand we are being asked to raise expectations,” Jones said. “On the other hand we are being asked to raise the graduation rate.”

Jones is superintendent for public schools in Rapides Parish, which includes Alexandria. His district had a 67.1 graduation rate earlier this year.

Meanwhile, 87.8 percent of high school students graduated on time from the Zachary Community School District earlier this year, tops in the state.

Heavy attention on students in grades six, seven and eight helps explain that high rate, said Warren Drake, superintendent for the district.

Drake said each grade divides students into three teams, where teachers can keep tabs on students for their academics, social interaction and any personal problems.