Grad Rates Show 'Improvement Pattern' At Rockville High School

VERNON, CT — Graduation rate statistics recently released by state officials reflect "a pattern of continued improvement" a Rockville High School, superindendent of schools Joseph Macary said Thursday.

Macary cited a "team effort between students, parents, faculty members and administrative staffers" for the numbers.

"The numbers show everbody is headed in the right direction and doing good things," Macary said.

The latest figures available from the state are the for the 2018-2019 academic year and back. Over the past three years, the RHS graduation rate has improved 9.2 percent, according to the statistics.

Including students in outplacements, the Rockville graduation rate was 85.2 percent for 2018-2019, close to the statewide graduation rate of 88.5 percent. Macary said if just the students on the RHS campus are included, the figure is 88.4 percent. That is a big jump from 2017-2018 figure od 80.7 percent and the 2016-2017 figure of 78.9 percent.

Graduation rates are calculated using a uniform system to track students and measure a four-year high school completion rate. Freshman are observed through their senior year and the resulting rate represents the percentage of first-time, ninth-grade students who earn a
standard high school diploma within four years.

Macary said the improvements are a direct result of "coordinated initiatives" and "interventions" that include a "holistic approach" to student learning and success.

"The goal is for every student in our district to successfully earn a high school diploma," he said. "We're making major strides toward that goal. As a district, we've allocated appropriate and significant resources to help accomplish positive outcomes for our students."

Macary then paused and added, "Were not done yet, but we're well on our way."

Macary and assistant superintendent Robert Testa said the "drivers" include:

• A rigorous curriculum
• Student interventions
• Continuous professional development
• School climate and accountability measures
• Parent engagement

The school system's Family School Community Partnerships Center has been providing outreach and wrap-around services that reduce student absenteeism, support proper nutrition, offer counseling, and encourage family and community involvement, officials said.