Positive Trend in High School Completion/Drop Out Rates

In a recent news release, "High school completion rate continues upward climb," Alberta Education shares that the three-year high school completion rate rose to 72.6% in 2010 from 71.5% in 2009. The five year completion rate remained at 79%. The drop out rate for students between the ages of 14 to 18 declined from 4.3% in 2009 to 4.2% in 2010.

At the Calgary Board of Education, the Interim Three-Year Education Plan 2011 - 2014 report went to the Board of Trustees at the June 14 public meeting. Good news around high school results were in the report. The three-year high school completion rate was improved and now stands at 70.8% The drop out rate for students between the ages of 14and 18 improved significantly and now stands at 4.1%.

Kids drop out of school for many reasons and the process often starts early on in their school career. Alberta Education has recently introduced an interesting website High School Completion Strategic Framework. There is a Parent Info tab that has links to resources that can help parents keep their kids in school or help those who dropped out return to high school.