Carson City School District’s graduation rate is back on the rebound from 2022’s 80.6% to 83.1% after a slow decrease three years past.
School board trustees on Nov. 12 considered the data and wondered if a push with different diploma standards might help students overcome barriers and position schools to offer stronger support.
Ricky Medina, director of accountability and assessment, said the most recent graduation rate data available across the country, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics, came out of the 2019-20 school year when the average was 86.5%. Half the scores were below this, and the other half were above that with scores in that half ranging between 80% to 93%.
But the challenge comes in different formulas by state for determining graduation rates, according to Tasha Fuson, associate superintendent for educational services, saying it’s “an apples to oranges” comparison.
“Each state has its requirements in terms of credits to earn,” she said. “Each state has its own requirements on end-of-course exams and whether students have to pass or not.”
Nevada students, for example, are required to take their American College Testing (ACT) exam that assesses English, mathematics, reading and scientific reasoning skills.
Medina reported to the board the outcome of Carson City’s 2023-24 rates that saw a total of 478 graduates, 97 non-graduates and 56 adult diplomas granted. Trustees focused on the adult diplomas that require reduced credits to graduate. These are typically offered to subgroups who might include foster or military students.
“Adult diplomas are not something we champion,” Fuson said. “We’ve talked to the high school leadership about it being something that should be a last choice for students when there’s another route to the college and career ready diploma.”
Trustee Richard Varner asked what it would take to encourage students toward a college and career ready diploma as the ideal standard. Fuson said it means students making more momentum in their education. Often, they chose certain classes that are not industry-recognized courses or classes that are changed on an annual basis, such as first aid.
“For some students it would be a significant change because it’s about having four years of math and three years of science, which we do require students to go up to Algebra 2 and take three years of science,” she said. “There is lot of movement at the state level.”
The district granted 122 college and career ready diplomas this year, 85 advanced diplomas, 271 standard diplomas and 62 adult diplomas for a total of 540. Carson High totaled 477 and Pioneer graduated 17.
Fuson said she was optimistic Carson City has set itself up for success with its higher standards and offerings for students, although Trustee Mike Walker said he hoped to continue to keep doors open for anyone on any journey they pursue.
“I share the fear that we’re going to start putting roadblocks in front of some kids successfully getting through school, especially if you’re a student gearing toward a trade and college or a university isn’t in your plans,” Walker said. “So I guess I am cautious that I don’t want to make it harder for students to complete their education.”
In other board news:
• Tanya Scott, director of English learner and pre-kindergarten programming, presented proposed changes to Regulation 219 regarding the district’s EL program that would reduce the number of hours for training of new pre-kindergarten to 12th grade certified staff in Academic Language Acquisition through Content (ALAC) from 45 to 20 hours. Teachers also now have an extension in their window of time to complete the requirement from 18 months within hire to 24 months.
Scott said the reduction in hours for teachers who participate to receive their endorsement would not be impacted by the shift. The course she provides from the Nevada Department of Education links to other statewide initiatives for other districts, she said.
“There is essentially little change in the content that has been offered in the past year,” Scott said. “The course that will be offered continues to focus on implementing research-based practices that support simultaneous English Language development and achievement in academic content areas.”
• The board approved policy 534 mandating random urine drug testing for student athletes that had been adopted in May 2009 and for which no changes were needed. Afterward, Carson High School Vice Principal Rodney Wade and athletic director Thomas Reymer reviewed changes to the district’s Regulation 534 governing random urine drug testing of school athletes and Regulation 534, Appendix A outlining drug testing procedures.
Reymer said the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association’s language does not state students are required to be drug tested, but the district is complying with the Nevada Administrative Code. Nevada Revised Statute 392.463 calls for an “adoption of plan to ensure public schools are safe and free of controlled substances,” along with written rules of behavior and punishments.
Trustees discussed testing practices and subsequent offenses. In the event of a positive result, a parent would be notified and the student would be required to submit up to five periodical tests throughout the next calendar year.
Reymer noted a first infraction for the NIAA on a positive result results is a six-week suspension from the activity or four weeks if they commit to a program through the juvenile court system and two-week suspension from the activity. Continuous infractions ultimately can result in the student being banned from the activity if he or she continues using the substance.