Maryland High School Graduation Rate Overall Improves, But Not for Some Groups, Finding Data – CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) – More Maryland high school students graduated last year, but graduation rates for some disadvantaged students have fallen, according to Maryland Department of Education data.

According to 2020-2021 school year data, the graduation rate for the four-year cohort in Maryland is 87.2%, up from the 86.8% rate recorded in 2020.

READ MORE: Maryland native who revolutionized women’s fashion honored in new exhibition

The department said graduation rates for Hispanics and English learners increased last year, but rates for black students, students with disabilities and students from disadvantaged backgrounds fell.

Fewer and fewer students enroll in post-secondary institutions such as universities or trade schools. Among 2020 graduates, 60.5% enrolled in post-secondary education within 12 months, down 5.8 percent from 2019, the department said.

“While this data shows that Maryland’s local education agencies have done a great job of maintaining high school graduation rates during the pandemic, it also reflects continued achievement and fundamental disparities. community, especially for our English learners, black students, and those in economic hardship,” said State Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury.

READ MORE: Baltimore police looking for missing 14-year-old boy

Maryland State Board of Education President Clarence Crawford pointed to federal funding and the Blueprint for the Future of Maryland, a 10-year plan to increase education spending by billions of dollars, as a way to help students who are struggling.

“Existing federal emergency funding and State investment in the Maryland Blueprint for the Future provide the resources needed to capture the promise of the moment and ensure ensure a bright future and positive outcomes for every Maryland child.

The department says new high school and system data will be available on Maryland Report Sheet website.

MORE NEWS: Baltimore County Police warn of potential scammers posing as repair or cable workers