Graduation rates

After reviewing data suspected of being incorrect, Cape Girardeau School District officials found that the district's 2010 graduation rate was actually 78.4 percent, over 5 percentage points higher than the 73 percent figure announced last fall in the Missouri Department of Secondary Education's Annual Performance Report.

Part of the problem in calculating the graduation rate, according to Cape Girardeau School District superintendent Jim Welker, is the state's complicated system for reporting dropouts. The double counting of dropouts, even if a student eventually graduates, is an issue. Another contributing factor is if a student drops out and later graduates from another school district.

While the updated graduation rate is certainly better than previously thought, Cape Girardeau is still behind the state's rate of 85 percent.

Despite the lagging graduation rate, there are some reasons to be hopeful.

Students behind their peers, including those who may transfer into the district, have an opportunity to catch up through the Cape Girardeau Alternative Education Center's after-school credit recovery program. This program addresses a key group: at-risk students who have a desire to graduate on time.

Cracking down on truancy is another action the Cape Girardeau School District has taken. Last semester the district implemented a policy in which 10 unexcused absences is determined an offense resulting in jail time and fines for parents of students in violation.

On March 31 the United Way of Southeast Missouri Education Solutions Team, a coalition made up of members with diverse backgrounds, will announce their recommendations to improve student academic performance. The coalition will outline these recommendations in their 61-page report titled "Mobilization Plan for Ensuring the Success of Our Children." Solving the dropout issue, particularly through community mentorship, is expected to be a component of the report.

Yes, there is work to be done to improve the Cape Girardeau School District graduation rates. However, strong local leadership -- both from the school district and community at large -- is emerging with specific plans. Parental involvement -- and community involvement, where parents falter -- will necessarily be part of the solution.