BROOKINGS — The official graduation rate for Brookings-Harbor High School Class of 2020, released by the Oregon Department of Education Jan. 21, 2021, is 84.03 percent, compared to the statewide rate of 82.63 percent.
Despite an unprecedented Spring of distance learning and challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the vast majority of seniors persisted in their studies and this registering an improvement over last years class’ rate of 80.58 percent -- continuing a trend stretching back a decade in Brookings-Harbor School District of increasing numbers of students graduating in four years.
After schools closed to in-person classes statewide in March 2020, some of the rules regarding graduation were changed. Seniors still had the same 24 credit requirement for the Oregon Diploma as in previous years. But, they were assured credit for any course in which they were passing at the time of the extended school closure. This allowed schools to provide additional focus on securing credit-earning opportunities and learning for seniors who were not yet passing all required courses at the time of the school closure.
“School looked very different last spring, but our staff went above and beyond to reach out to students who were working from home and our students showed great persistence and adaptability. It was an impressive class. Out of 101 graduates, there were 1,265 college credits earned; 84 students taking college classes; 41 students earned scholarships totaling $130,000, and 5 took military appointments. In addition, there were at least 1,541 community service hours performed by students; and several worked part-time jobs and/or helped younger siblings navigate distance learning,” BHHS Principal DeAnne Varitek said.
The graduation rate tracks students beginning in ninth grade and measures how many of those students graduate within four years. The rate is adjusted for students moving in or out of the district.
A five-year rate is also tracked by the state. The district’s five-year cohort “completer” rate was 81.88 percent, while the statewide rate is 83.04 percent. Completers are students who earned a regular or modified diploma (as well as those who earned an extended diploma, adult high school diploma, or GED) within five years.
Across the state, students who participate in Career Technical Education (CTE) classes have a higher graduation success rate than their peers, underscoring the importance and impact of BHSD’s investments in growing and improving these hands-on programs such as welding, small engine repair, and robotics. Mirroring this statewide trend, the 2019-20 four-year graduation rate for BHHS students who participated in CTE classes was 92.41 percent, with a rate greater than 95 percent for students who concentrated in CTE (taking multiple classes over their high school career).
“When I was researching the Brookings-Harbor School District before being hired, I was impressed by the upward trajectory of our grad rate over time. To me, this indicates a focus on students and a dedicated professional staff. Improvements in the graduation rate trackback to the focused work of the staff and leadership of Brookings-Harbor High School, Azalea Middle School, and Kalmiopsis Elementary School. Our staff across the district continue to look for new ways to meet the needs of students and to provide them with engaging and meaningful opportunities that prepare them for success,” BHSD Superintendent David Marshall said.
***Brookings-Harbor School District: “Every Student Can Succeed”***
Four-Year Graduation Rate Data for Brookings-Harbor School District: This year’s graduation rate is an increase from last year and continues an upward trend.
BHHS GRADUATION RATE ALL STUDENTS
- 2019-20 84.03% (82.63% statewide)
- 2018-19 80.58% (80.01% statewide)
- 2017-18 74.44% (78.68% statewide)
- 2016-17 76.98% (76.65% statewide)
- 2015-16 70.50% (74.8% statewide)
- 2014-15 62.20% (73.8% statewide)
- 2013-14 63.64% (72.0% statewide)
- 2012-13 61.33% (68.7% statewide)
- 2011-12 57.42% (68.4% statewide)
- 2010-11 63.03% (67.7% statewide)
- 2009-10 65.31% (66.4% statewide)
- 2008-09 65.60% (66.2% statewide)
Source: Oregon Department of Education graduation cohort data
Read the statewide summary from Oregon Department of Education.