Graduation rate jumps at Brainerd High School

The graduation rate at Brainerd High School jumped to 90.6 percent in 2014, according to data released Tuesday by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). In 2013, the school's graduation rate was 87.5 percent.

That's compared to the state average of 81.2 percent in 2014, and 79.8 percent in 2013.

"Despite other challenges we've had, like with our (aging) facilities, these are some real highlights we are proud of," said Brainerd Superintendent Klint Willert.

"It's a very good indicator we're doing some good things," he said.

A few of those initiatives include an effort to capture the interest of students through personalizing the learning experience, adding more course options and placing an emphasis on being career ready through partnerships with Central Lakes College and the Bridges Program.

"If we provide the opportunity to engage students, we fulfill a need and it tends to keep students interested in school," Willert said.

While Brainerd High School saw 90.6 percent of its seniors graduate, the district's overall rate drops to 81.8 percent in 2014 when the alternative learning center students are added in.

In 2013, the overall district rate was 80.4 percent.

Overall, both percentages mean there's more work to do, Willert said.

"We have to continue to strive for every student to graduate from high school successfully," he said.

Willert said Brainerd schools will push for a 100 percent graduation rate.

"We know that might not be practical, but the endeavour is what we want," he said. "We want every student to graduate from our schools and be prepared for the world."

How other area high schools compare (Graduation rate percent 2013, 2014):

• Aitkin: 89.5, 94.6
• Crosby-Ironton: 92.9, 82.8
• Little Falls: 93.9, 94.9
• Pequot Lakes: 92.1, 97.3
• Pierz: 95.5, 89.3
• Pillager: 90.2, 87.3
• Pine River-Backus: 87.1, 93.1
• Staples-Motley: 75, 86.4
• Verndale: 78.1, 90
• Walker-Hackensack-Akeley: 79.6, 83.7

A closer look at the state:

"It is incredibly heartening to see our graduation rates continue on an upward trend," said Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius in a news release. "Over the past four years, we have doubled down on our efforts to better support students on their path from K-12 to career and college, and these data show it is working. This is a testament to all of the dedicated educators through Minnesota who make it their mission every single day to ensure all students have the chance to succeed."

Since 2011, students have shown increases in graduation rates every single year. This year's data moves Minnesota closer to a statewide goal of having a 90 percent graduation rate by 2020.

Student groups:

• Asian/Pacific Islander students: 81.7 percent graduation rate, up three points from 2013, and a nine point increase since 2011.
• Black students: 60.36 percent graduation rate, up nearly three points from 2013, and a more than 10 point increase since 2011.
• Students learning English: 63.7 percent graduation rate, up four points from 2013, and an 11 point increase since 2011.
• Students receiving free- or reduced-price lunch: 65.9 percent graduation rate, up two points from 2013, and a seven point increase since 2011.
• Hispanic students: 63.2 percent graduation rate, up four points from 2013, and a 12 point increase since 2011.
• Since 2011, the gap between white and black students narrowed by 8 percentage points while the Hispanic-white gap reduced by 9.6 points.
• Since 2011, the graduation rate gap between English learners and native English speaking students in the state has narrowed by over 10 percentage points.
• The gap between students in poverty and their more affluent peers has reduced by nearly 7 percentage points since 2011.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education
JESSIE PERRINE may be reached at jessie.perrine@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5859. Follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/brainerdnews .