Little changes seen in high school graduation, dropout rates

New graduation and dropout rates released today by the Clark County School District show minimal changes over previous years.

The high school graduation rate for the class of 2007, the most recent year data was available, was 63 percent compared to 63.5 percent for the class of 2006. The graduation rate is a four-year snapshot of how many students were able to complete their diploma in four years.

The dropout rate, or the percentage of high school students who leave school in a year, was 5.8 percent for the 2007-08 school year compared to 6 percent for the school year of 2006-07.

Superintendent Walt Rulffes called the data a source of shame and asked the community for help.

“We recognize graduation rates are lousy, not only here but across the country,” he said.

Contact reporter James Haug at jhaug@reviewjournal.com or 702-799-2922.