Graduation rates

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

A recent study by the Manhattan Institute says that high school graduation rates in Missouri ... aren't improving, and that about one-third of the students who do graduate don't have the course credits to apply to a four-year college. ...

In Missouri, the high school graduation rate held steady at 76 percent ... with only 30 percent of public school students in the class of 2002 earning enough credits to attend a four-year college. The study said Missouri had the nation's 19th highest graduation rate for the class of 2002. ...

This study comes as Missouri school officials are rethinking how to make sure all graduates are prepared to succeed in college and at work. Last year, a task force commissioned by the Missouri Board of Education began reviewing the old graduation policy, which says that simply completing a specific number of units of credit isn't adequate.

That philosophy began to change partly in response to a national movement among governors and business leaders. They raised concerns that students weren't prepared, and needed to take remedial courses or training once they enter college or the work force. ... Missouri's High School Task Force is leaning toward requiring students to take more English, science, math and social studies to get a diploma and upping the required number of credits to 24 from 22.

That's a good idea. ... Special attention needs to be paid to the minority graduation rate. In Missouri, the graduation rate is 78 percent for white students, 56 percent for blacks and 52 percent for Hispanics _ right in line with the national average. ...

Too many kids still drop out, and too many aren't ready for the challenges of college and careers. ...