Florida’s Graduation Rate Soars to New Highs: Uncovering the Hidden Challenges in Education

Florida’s high school graduation rate hit a record high of 89.7% for the 2023-2024 school year. That’s an increase of 1.7% from last year. Since 2006, the rate has steadily improved, not counting the pandemic years when testing rules changed.

Governor Ron DeSantis celebrated this achievement, saying it shows Florida’s commitment to education. He emphasized that the state prioritizes educational choice and parental involvement.

But not everyone agrees that a high graduation rate tells the whole story. Education leaders, like Jessica Wright from Pasco County, argue that we should also consider students’ readiness for life after school. She pointed out proficiency levels in math and reading as areas of concern.

Around 50% to 55% of students in grades 3-12 are meeting proficiency in English Language Arts. In math, the numbers are similar. However, proficiency in high school classes like Algebra I drops to 33%, while Geometry is slightly better at 47%. Wright noted, “A high graduation rate is great, but it doesn’t show how effective our education is.”

Wright also mentioned that standardized tests shouldn’t be the only way to measure student success. They should serve as a tool to identify areas needing support, much like a blood test signals health issues.

Ellen Lyons, a leader in Hillsborough’s PTA, introduced another important factor: absenteeism. She noted that about 31% of students statewide are chronically absent, which makes it harder for them to keep up and graduate. This issue has worsened since the pandemic, and schools are still addressing it.

Lyons believes schools need to be more inclusive and welcoming. She also highlighted how data varies between schools. Some schools, like Plant and Newsome, have graduation rates over 96% and low absenteeism. In contrast, Blake and Chamberlain have absenteeism rates of 43% and 48%, with lower graduation rates.

For example, at Blake High School, graduation rates differ by ethnicity: 88.5% for white students, but only 76.1% for Black students and 73.4% for Hispanic students. Meanwhile, Chamberlain’s rates are 77.3% for white students, 71.6% for Black students, and 79.7% for Hispanic students.

Despite these challenges, Lyons sees the rise in graduation rates as a significant achievement, especially with tougher requirements now in place. To graduate, students must now score higher on the SAT, ACT, or their state exam.

“We need to explore what’s driving these graduation rates and why some students are still struggling,” she said.

Different school districts are putting in efforts to improve their graduation rates. In Hillsborough County, the graduation rate is slightly below the state average at 88%. Pasco County boasts the highest rate in the Tampa Bay region at 95%. Most local districts have seen improvements, except for Hernando and Hardee County, which experienced declines.

Wright explained that Pasco’s success comes from its “Save Our Students” program, designed to keep at-risk students from dropping out. They also require 11th graders to take the SAT or ACT if they haven’t passed the necessary state tests. This way, students have important test scores ready should they change their post-high school plans.