Clay County exceeds 90 percent graduation rate for first time in history

TALLAHASSEE – Clay County District Schools achieved its highest graduation rate in its history, according to numbers released Dec. 19 by the Florida Department of Education.

The 2017-2018 graduation rates validate the work being done to ensure that students become “full option graduates” in Clay County.

The District saw an increase of 2.3 percentage points from the previous year and progressed from 88.4 percent in 2016-17 to 90.7 percent in 2017-18. Over the last two years, Clay County District Schools improved its graduation rate by 6 percentage points and 31.9 percentage points since 2003, reaffirming that Clay’s students are better prepared to successfully transition to the workforce, military or college.

This latest release from Tallahassee also revealed that eight of the nine targeted subgroups of learners reached a record high, which Superintendent Addison Davis said, illustrates that the District is focused on improving the academic well-being of every learner.

“The graduation rates recently released by the Florida Department of Education show that Clay County District Schools is on an upward trajectory. I am ecstatic that we have once again rewrote the history books. Many strategies have contributed to this exciting outcome over the last two years. Our data signifies the hard work and efforts put forth by our school leaders, teachers, college and career coaches, school counselors, and support staff.

“Collectively and collaboratively, we have created a culture that demands ownership, establishes high expectations, and allows learners to fulfill their aspirations as indicated by meeting graduation requirements. This is a remarkable accomplishment for our community. I am proud of all stakeholders who have positively impacted children’s lives by preparing to compete inside and outside of our classrooms,” Davis said.

Davis said the data indicates that all high schools demonstrated an increase in their graduation rate or remained well over 90 percent. The overall increase in graduation rate has been supported by a new tracking system that provides a tool for principals and assistant principals to monitor, which was then translated into hard work and energy from teachers and college and career coaches.

Once again, Clay County District Schools set record high subgroup data points as African-American, Hispanic, White, At-Risk, ESE, and Economically Disadvantaged students climbed to an all-time high. These accomplishments are a direct reflection of the schools and district focus on eliminating the achievement gap in order to create access and opportunity for all learners. This information provides evidence that Clay County educators are continuing to differentiate and scaffold instruction for all students with the goal of preparing students to meet grade level expectations.

While there is always conversation related to whether or not school districts are preparing students for post-secondary readiness, it is clear that Clay County District Schools is preparing its learners for a successful transition out of high school with the abilities and skills necessary to compete globally, Davis said in a Dec. 20 press release.

Post-Secondary Readiness, or PSR, data confirms that the district has established a new record in the areas of both mathematics and reading. In the Reading PSR, Clay County District Schools posted a 6 percentage point increase compared to a year ago and a 21 percentage point increase over the last two years. In the area of Mathematics PSR, the district increased 10 percentage points compared to a year ago, and a 22 percentage point increase over the last two years.

Davis said the data is powerful and highlights the culture established in Clay County District Schools as all seek to prepare students to become college and career ready.