Graduation Rates Increase in Topeka Public Schools

Graduation rates in Topeka Public Schools increased by 4.5% in 2012, the latest year of reported graduation rates.  That’s what Board of Education members heard at their November 21^st meeting.  Director of Demographics Aaron Kipp added that the graduation rate of special education students and English Language Learner students was up significantly.  “The trend of increased graduation rates for our special education and ELL students is a testament to the hard work our teachers and staff have put in with these groups,” said Kipp

 In another report, board members heard from Bob Winkler, assessment and evaluation consultant.  He told board members that the percentage of schools in the district meeting state criteria in reading and math more than doubled.  While the percent of students scoring proficient at the district and state levels is lower this year than in 2012 for reading mathematics and science, the state reported larger declines than Topeka Public Schools in reading and math.  That means the gap between the state and the school district scores narrowed in those two subjects.   Three subgroups increased the percent scoring proficient in reading while no subgroups did so in mathematics.

Topeka Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Julie Ford said, “Our assessment results reflect the trend in Kansas this past year.  We continue to focus on literacy, Kansas College and Career Standards and early intervention systems to target early interventions to guarantee academic success and graduation from high school."