District attendance rates also projected to rise this year
CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–May 28, 2013. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett and Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced that CPS students are on track to set the highest high school graduation rate ever, with 63 percent of seniors projected to graduate in school year 2012-2013. CEO Byrd-Bennett will formally announce this projected record rate at today’s City Club of Chicago’s Public Policy Luncheon.
“We are working to build a district that supports the success of every student, because as a city, we have a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives,” said CEO Byrd-Bennett. “This graduation rate is a testament to our hard-working students, educators and administrators, but we know there is more to do. With a full school day, a full day of kindergarten, a rigorous curriculum tied to Common Core standards and increasing STEM and IB programs, and working with parents and our communities, we will keep this momentum going on behalf of every child in every neighborhood across the city.”
This year’s projected 63 percent graduation rate builds on last year’s rate of 61 percent, itself an increase from 58 percent in school year 2010-11 and up from 44 percent a decade ago.
“This year’s graduates are shining examples of the promise of Chicago’s future, and on behalf of the entire city I congratulate them on their success,” said Mayor Emanuel. “There is still more to do to ensure every child in this city has an education that helps them reach their full potential. Together, with parents, teachers and principals and engaged communities, we can work to make sure there is no limit to what our children can achieve.”
CEO Byrd-Bennett also announced improved attendance rates, with year-to-date attendance for all students projected at 92.9 percent, an increase of 0.4 percent from last year and 1.2 percent from the prior school year. Over the last two years alone, over 4,000 more children are attending school regularly.
“While this news is very encouraging, we will continue working hand in hand with parents and school communities to remove barriers to attendance and create safe, positive learning environments for every child regardless of where they live,” added CEO Byrd-Bennett.
Source: cps.edu
