Memphis graduation rate climbs nearly 8 points since 2020, but test scores still trail the state
Did you know search engines like Google are changing the way you see news? Keep Chalkbeat’s valuable education coverage at the top of your feeds by clicking here and checking the box next to our name. More Memphis students are graduating high school than six years ago, according to the state’s most recent data. More than 7,100 Memphis-Shelby County Schools students from the class of 2026 received…
Recent data reveals a notable surge in high school graduation rates in Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), climbing nearly 8 points since 2020. More than 7,100 students in the class of 2026 earned their diplomas, up from around 6,200 in 2020 – a 7.7 percentage point increase. However, the district still trails behind the state average graduation rate, which surpassed 93% last school year. While MSCS has made strides, English language learners experienced the lowest graduation rate at 71%.
MSCS leaders attribute this growth to years of focusing on individual student data and graduation coaches. Chief Academic Officer Angela Whitelaw emphasized that it's the combined effect of their efforts over time, rather than any single intervention. The district's looming state takeover, which could occur if they meet four of six criteria indicating consistent underperformance, adds urgency to their progress.
While graduation rates have improved, Memphis students still lag behind their statewide peers in academic proficiency. In state reading tests last year, nearly three-quarters of MSCS students failed to pass, compared to just over half statewide. Additionally, there's a 20 percentage point gap in high school reading proficiency and a 17.4% gap in math proficiency.
Superintendent Roderick Richmond acknowledged the need for further improvement in academic progress, stating that the district aims to prepare students to be college, career, and life ready.
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