New Jersey Celebrates Increase in High School Graduation Rates, But Disparities Remain
New Jersey’s high school graduation rate saw a positive uptick last year, with more than 91% of the class of 2023 successfully completing their studies within four years. This marks the highest rate since the state began measuring graduation rates in 2011, showing a slight increase over the previous year.
While the overall numbers are encouraging, disparities persist among different student groups. White and Asian students boasted graduation rates approximately 10 points higher than their Black or Hispanic peers. Additionally, students with disabilities, those from lower-income backgrounds, and English language learners also faced lower graduation rates.
The data also revealed concerning statistics for specific student populations, with only 62% of students in foster care graduating within four years. Furthermore, more than 5% of students across the state did not graduate or dropped out, with higher rates among Black and Hispanic students, as well as English-language learners, homeless students, and migrants.
Moving forward, the NJ Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) will play a crucial role in determining graduation eligibility this year. Students who do not pass the assessment’s English language arts and math sections can opt for alternative measures such as submitting a portfolio of work or achieving a passing score on the SAT.
The annual School Performance Reports released by the state Department of Education provide a comprehensive overview of school and district performance, including graduation rates. For more detailed information, the reports can be accessed on the DOE website.
Despite the progress made in overall graduation rates, the disparities highlighted in the data underscore the ongoing need for targeted support and resources to ensure all students have an equal opportunity to succeed in their educational journey.