by Tim McGillivray on 2014-05-07

A specific focus on students who were behind in credits, had failing grades and were struggling to reach graduation is being credited for a notable jump in the graduation rate at local high schools. According to data released today by the California Department of Education, MVUSD’s graduation rate now stands above the state average at 81 percent – a remarkable climb of 15.3 percent in just three years, and the greatest leap forward this year for any school district in Riverside County. “This is the result of a focused team effort to reach and teach specific students who were headed off course,” said Superintendent Dr. Judy D. White. “We go school by school to work with principals, teachers and counselors to identify each of those at-risk students and put together individual plans of action to get them back on track.” In collaboration with the district, each MVUSD high school completes an Implementation Plan to address three school-wide focus areas: Attendance, Connection, and Engagement. In addition, each entering ninth-grader whose grades include multiple Ds or Fs is identified and provided with a personalized graduation plan and all students’ grades are monitored throughout the year to allow for intervention at the first signs of trouble. “Every month we meet with a team from each high school that includes the principal, assistant principal and head counselors, to look at the data and hold each other accountable for each student,” explained Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Dr. Martinrex Kedziora. “It has been a great deal of hard work on many people’s part,” said Dr. White. “This is exactly what we mean at MVUSD when we say, ‘Excellence on Purpose.’” She added that she expects MVUSD’s graduation rate to continue climbing as the focus on individual students continues. “The School Board is so proud of our students, and grateful for the leadership of Superintendent White,” said Board President Tracey B. Vackar. “When she arrived three years ago, she made improving our graduation rate a top priority, and here are the results. This is what can happen when, as a school district and as individuals, we take responsibility for each student.”