Acadia Parish graduation rate continues upward climb

When the cohort graduation rates were released by the state’s Department of Education, Acadia Parish found itself in good company.

Wednesday night, the graduation rate was reported to the Acadia Parish School Board members in attendance for committee meetings.

“Our main goal is to get kids out of high school,” said John Bourque, superintendent of the Acadia Parish school district. “(The increase) is a credit to all our schools. This shows we’re doing the things we need to do to get kids to graduate.

“I really think this is something to be proud of.”

Up from 79.3 to 81.4 (or 2.1 percentage points), Acadia’s 2012-13 graduation rate continues a now five year uptick for the parish and has put the parish already above the state’s goal of 80 percent as set by the Legislature.

Overall, the state saw a rate increase for the third straight year, reaching 73.5 percent in 2013, which was a 1.2 percentage point increase from 2012 and a 12.2 percentage point increase since 2001.

In the class of 2013 nearly 1,000 more students graduated than did in the class of 2012.

The announcement comes on the heels of news that the number of students achieving college-going ACT scores in Louisiana has increased by more than 5,200 since 2012.

“These increases are positive news for young adults, families, and all Louisianans,” said State Superintendent John White. “At the same time, while most Louisiana jobs do not require a four-year college degree, the majority require advanced credentials and education after high school.  Too few of our students are ready for that challenge as of today.”

“The graduation rate increase is encouraging and indicates that things are steadily moving in the right direction, but we are not yet where we want to be,” said Chas Roemer, BESE president. “It is important that Louisiana remain focused on its commitment to higher academic standards and expanded educational options to ensure students are fully prepared for success after high school.”