Graduation rate for students who stayed with HPEDSB is 88%
The graduation rate for all publicly funded school boards in Ontario has been released by the Ministry of Education. Graduation rate is a key indicator of student success and achievement during secondary school. The reported graduation rate indicates the percentage of students who have achieved an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
In Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) the rate of students graduating within five years of starting secondary school was 74% in 2014, representing 1,038 students. The HPEDSB four-year graduation rate was 64%. Of the 1,296 students who began Grade 9 in HPEDSB and remained in our schools, 88% successfully graduated within four or five years.
"One of our organizational goals is Success for Each Student. Through the combined efforts of our employees, families and community partners, our students are well-supported to achieve success in their chosen pathway,"said Dwayne Inch, Chair of the Board.
This is the first time that graduation rates have been calculated using a common province-wide formula. Students who began in one school board then transferred to another Ontario school board are included in the school board's overall data. As per Ministry of Education direction, a well-planned four-year secondary school program is a priority for HPEDSB.
Graduating with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requires students to complete 30 credits, 40 volunteer hours and have met the literacy requirements.
"As a public school board, Hastings Prince Edward District School Board is committed to providing outstanding educational experiences for all students in all course types. We know that when students come to our system and stay in our system, they are highly successful,"said Mandy Savery-Whiteway, Director of Education.
Secondary school students select courses and programs that reflect their strengths and interests beyond high school. Some students complete secondary school with an Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) or a Certificate of Accomplishment (CA). These graduation rates do not include students who achieve these alternate certificates, particularly students who are developing life skills and will proceed from secondary school to supported community living.
Success for each student is a priority in our schools
Secondary school Student Success teams monitor the progress of each student to ensure they are on track to meet OSSD graduation requirements.
"When students leave school before they graduate, our employees reach out to make personal contact with each student, encouraging them to come back to school to finish outstanding graduation requirements,"added Savery-Whiteway.
Some students who have not graduated with an OSSD in a four or five year period may be continuing their education to meet graduation requirements, taking additional time to do so in a secondary school. Other students who may have left school at age 18, going directly to the workforce, can complete OSSD requirements through the HPEDSB Quinte Adult Education program while they are working. The success of these students is not captured in the Ministry formula for graduation rate.
For more information, please contact:
Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 2354, [email protected]