Okaloosa, Walton grad rates at all-time high November 19, 2008 - 8:01 PM
Okaloosa and Walton counties are graduating students at higher rates than ever before.
New figures from the state Department of Education show Okaloosa County School System has reached a high point, graduating more than 90 percent of students in four years for the first time. That number jumped from 77.1 percent to its current 90.5 percent in just 10 years. Only eight other schools in the state have reached this milestone.
Walton County is seeing numbers in the 80s for the first time, reaching an 81.5 percent graduation rate for the 2007-2008 academic year. That number is up from 68.9 percent in 1998.
The dropout rate in Walton County is also at an all-time low 1.8 percent, down from 5.3 percent in 1998. Okaloosa saw its dropout rate decrease from 4.4 percent to 1.7 percent during the same time period.
The graduation rate measures the number of students who earn a diploma - either a standard or a special diploma, such as a GED - four years after entering ninth grade.
"Over last few years we have emphasized secondary redesign, meaning high school, so that freshman coming in have a much better transition and an easier transition because the freshman year is the most critical year in high school," Okaloosa Superintendent Alexis Tibbetts said. "We know from lots and lots of research that if a student does not have a good ninth-grade year that increases their propensity to drop out."
Tibbetts also attributed the increased graduation rates to the emphasis on a high school diploma to parents in the system and on closing the achievement gaps of minority, low-income and non-English speaking students.
"In our current society and our global economy, you can't get a high skilled, high wage job in America any more if you don't have the minimum of a high school diploma," Tibbetts said. "Our goal is college readiness for every student."
In the Okaloosa School System, high school graduation is viewed as a starting line, with the finish line being the completion of post-secondary education, Tibbetts said.
The state's graduation rate increased to 75 percent, a three percentage point jump from the previous school year. Meanwhile, the dropout rate declined to less than 3 percent.
Minority students accounted for some of the largest growth.
Florida's method of tabulating its high school graduation rate tracks individual students rather than using statistical formulas. That calculation has resulted in higher graduation rates than those seen in national studies
Replies
22
SoWal Expert
"In the Okaloosa School System, high school graduation is viewed as a starting line, with the finish line being the completion of post-secondary education, Tibbetts said."
Best line of the article- and the reflects what many SoWal parents feel is the important goal for SWHS.
Best line of the article- and the reflects what many SoWal parents feel is the important goal for SWHS.
Beach Fanatic
Granted that what you say is absolutely true, it should also be remembered that not all students are college oriented and that those who are not should be given needed additional education toward their goals and such programs should also be promoted by the school system.
SoWal Expert
Granted that what you say is absolutely true, it should also be remembered that not all students are college oriented and that those who are not should be given needed additional education toward their goals and such programs should also be promoted by the school system.
We realize that, but there needs to be more of an emphasis and more college prep at South Walton- I am a parent there, and know that this is one of the most discussed areas where parents are wanting to make improvements. Yes, not every child is college bound, but a good number of the SWHS kids are, and they need to be prepared for a 4 year university if that is the goal. Many parents at SWHS have 4 year college degrees (or higher) and are wanting their kids to be well prepared as well, especially now since so many are competing for scholarship dollars- and college endowments are tanking.
Goals? More students passing the AP exams, higher SAT/ACT scores, a bigger college prep push- everything from making sure college entrance exams are taken and entrance and financial aid requirement and deadlines met, even a college "resource" room, with info from colleges and universities from all over....
It should be the goal of every high school to want to prepare ALL of the students to succeed in life, not just get by. That means putting as much muscle in college prep as making sure their are appropriate vocational programs - in addition to ensuring the graduation of the lowest 25%. It's a lot to accomplish, but why settle for any less than succeeding at our goals?
Edited
Skunky
We realize that, but there needs to be more of an emphasis and more college prep at South Walton- I am a parent there, and know that this is one of the most discussed areas where parents are wanting to make improvements. Yes, not every child is college bound, but a good number of the SWHS kids are, and they need to be prepared for a 4 year university if that is the goal. Many parents at SWHS have 4 year college degrees (or higher) and are wanting their kids to be well prepared as well, especially now since so many are competing for scholarship dollars- and college endowments are tanking.
Goals? More students passing the AP exams, higher SAT/ACT scores, a bigger college prep push- everything from making sure college entrance exams are taken and entrance and financial aid requirement and deadlines met, even a college "resource" room, with info from colleges and universities from all over....
It should be the goal of every high school to want to prepare ALL of the students to succeed in life, not just get by. That means putting as much muscle in college prep as making sure their are appropriate vocational programs - in addition to ensuring the graduation of the lowest 25%. It's a lot to accomplish, but why settle for any less than succeeding at our goals?
You forgot to mention winning state in football:nono1:
SoWal Expert
You forgot to mention winning state in football:nono1:
Cross Country is going to state- the entire varsity girls, and Jacob Leuze for the varsity boys.
Yes, I love that our football team is doing well.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
I think it will help once the NWFSC gets the SoWal campus up and running. They're generally pretty good about encouraging dual enrollment for highly motivated high school students, and having a place to take care of some college level gen ed/core classes right down the road instead of going to DFS or PC for that purpose makes it a lot easier for that to happen.
Beach Lover
Before we do too much Patting ourselves on the Back we need to look at the tremendous increase in the number of students matriculating into college that are requiring remediation. I think it has been the trend through the years for students to stay in school when the economy is in a downturn. The $10+ an hour jobs are just not as available anymore for the dropout who may have been enticed from their studies by the immediate gratification of the big check.
Beach Fanatic
Rather than blaming teachers and students, I propose that one major factor affecting the necessity for remediation, if there is one, is block scheduling.
Block scheduling does allow for a variety of subjects, but it does not allow the concentration in the core subjects necessary to master harder versions of the same stuff when they get to college. I was a smart kid way back when, but no way would I have mastered Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Honors English, etc in one semester. I know that's how they do it in college, but these kids are not in college yet. Lots of difference between a 14-year-old and an 18-year-old.
I also think MySpace is to blame, but that's just me. I know I get distracted by SoWal...:roll:
Block scheduling does allow for a variety of subjects, but it does not allow the concentration in the core subjects necessary to master harder versions of the same stuff when they get to college. I was a smart kid way back when, but no way would I have mastered Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Honors English, etc in one semester. I know that's how they do it in college, but these kids are not in college yet. Lots of difference between a 14-year-old and an 18-year-old.
I also think MySpace is to blame, but that's just me. I know I get distracted by SoWal...:roll:
Beach Fanatic
Lets not forget the band program at SWHS. Though small in number this year, they have been the premier band in Walton County for the past 4 years. There has been at least one member selected for Florida All-State each of the past 4 years, the band has performed at State Concert Contest the past two years and is considered to be one of the best bands in Northwest Florida. The Sowal band members have established a proud tradition of being selected as "first chair" or best player on their instruments. As recent as two years ago, 11 Sowal students tried out for the District II honor band and 8 were selected as first chairs.
The majority of the band members balance their schedules with AP classes, extracurricular sports, jobs and community involvement. Most of the students are on the A or A/B honor roll as well. I also am not aware of any of last year's 13 band graduates that are not attending college.
It is my worry that when people start pushing AP, dual enrollment and other college prep agendas, they leave out the arts. As you may be aware, many studies have shown that being involved in the arts helps a student's developement in mathematics and language.
I feel that one skill that students are reluctant to embrace is developing proper study habits. This needs to be pushed in every grade, especially during high school. Many teachers at Sowal, my wife included, do a great job at stressing this important skill but their efforts need to be reinforced and supported at home.
Just my two cents...
The majority of the band members balance their schedules with AP classes, extracurricular sports, jobs and community involvement. Most of the students are on the A or A/B honor roll as well. I also am not aware of any of last year's 13 band graduates that are not attending college.
It is my worry that when people start pushing AP, dual enrollment and other college prep agendas, they leave out the arts. As you may be aware, many studies have shown that being involved in the arts helps a student's developement in mathematics and language.
I feel that one skill that students are reluctant to embrace is developing proper study habits. This needs to be pushed in every grade, especially during high school. Many teachers at Sowal, my wife included, do a great job at stressing this important skill but their efforts need to be reinforced and supported at home.
Just my two cents...
Edited
needs to get out more
Agreed 30A, the arts cannot be the red headed stepchild as they have been forever, considered by some students as a free class and basically 'forgotten' by administration. Imagine if the candidate who was running on the 'reading, writing,mathematics' platform had been voted in ::shudder::
Maybe interested girl has some insight. he's been awfully quiet lately, possibly printing up some kind of partisan tshirts.
Maybe interested girl has some insight. he's been awfully quiet lately, possibly printing up some kind of partisan tshirts.
Beach Fanatic
So. JohnR, will you run against Barnhill and represent South Walton in two years? Since you know so much about being a good school board member, that is.
Seriously, SOMEBODY viable
Seriously, SOMEBODY viable
Beach Fanatic
Lets not forget the band program at SWHS. Though small in number this year, they have been the premier band in Walton County for the past 4 years. There has been at least one member selected for Florida All-State each of the past 4 years, the band has performed at State Concert Contest the past two years and is considered to be one of the best bands in Northwest Florida. The Sowal band members have established a proud tradition of being selected as "first chair" or best player on their instruments. As recent as two years ago, 11 Sowal students tried out for the District II honor band and 8 were selected as first chairs.
The majority of the band members balance their schedules with AP classes, extracurricular sports, jobs and community involvement. Most of the students are on the A or A/B honor roll as well. I also am not aware of any of last year's 13 band graduates that are not attending college.
It is my worry that when people start pushing AP, dual enrollment and other college prep agendas, they leave out the arts. As you may be aware, many studies have shown that being involved in the arts helps a student's developement in mathematics and language.
I feel that one skill that students are reluctant to embrace is developing proper study habits. This needs to be pushed in every grade, especially during high school. Many teachers at Sowal, my wife included, do a great job at stressing this important skill but their efforts need to be reinforced and supported at home.
Just my two cents...
Great post... I went to the FSU Orchestra concert presented by the Bay Arts Alliance at the Marina Civic Center last Saturday night, and in her pre-concert speech Jennifer Jones made the comment that statistically, music majors have the highest acceptance rate into medical school, even higher than biochemistry majors. I thought that was a very interesting tidbit; and seeing how I and all of my (very bright) friends were involved in the arts throughout our high school & college careers, I am not a bit surprised. Check out this page: http://www.amc-music.com/research_briefs.htm
Scroll down to the third "Did you know?" for this:
Did You Know?
Music majors are the most likely group of college grads to be admitted to medical school. Physician and biologist Lewis Thomas studied the undergraduate majors of medical school applicants. He found that 66 percent of music majors who applied to med school were admitted, the highest percentage of any group. For comparison, (44 percent) of biochemistry majors were admitted. Also, a study of 7,500 university students revealed that music majors scored the highest reading scores among all majors including English, biology, chemistry and math.
Sources: "The Comparative Academic Abilities of Students in Education and in Other Areas of a Multi-focus University," Peter H. Wood, ERIC Document No. ED327480
"The Case for Music in the Schools," Phi Delta Kappan, February, 1994
Beach Fanatic
So. JohnR, will you run against Barnhill and represent South Walton in two years? Since you know so much about being a good school board member, that is.
Seriously, SOMEBODY viable needs to.
Seriously, SOMEBODY viable needs to.
SoWal Expert
It is my worry that when people start pushing AP, dual enrollment and other college prep agendas, they leave out the arts. As you may be aware, many studies have shown that being involved in the arts helps a student's developement in mathematics and language.
We were always told that the arts (along with other extracurriculars) were an essential part of being the kind of well rounded student colleges are seeking.
needs to get out more
So. JohnR, will you run against Barnhill and represent South Walton in two years? Since you know so much about being a good school board member, that is.
Seriously, SOMEBODY viable needs to.
Don't know I'm qualified to be a school board member, just know what I feel would be a well rounded curriculum for my children if I had any in this school district. Are you going to run? You had some interesting ideas up above. The BCC needs some southern representation:scratch: I'll keep you posted.
Beach Fanatic
Don't know I'm qualified to be a school board member, just know what I feel would be a well rounded curriculum for my children if I had any in this school district. Are you going to run? You had some interesting ideas up above. The BCC needs some southern representation:scratch: I'll keep you posted.
I need to keep my day job - and there would be a direct conflict of interest with my position and running for/holding an elected office in Walton County. Additionally, my older and wiser brother ran and lost two years ago, so I fail to see how I would do any better.
Plus, I'm a pinata-holding Republican and none of y'all would vote for me anyway. ;-)
needs to get out more
Plus, I'm a pinata-holding Republican and none of y'all would vote for me anyway. ;-)
all depends on what's in the pinata
Beach Lover
Sorry I have not been around much lately, but, I wanted to add a school board member's two cents worth....
Block Scheduling. We have used the Block Scheduling model for at least ten years now. It has its advantages and disadvantages. It really helps struggling students because there are 32 opportunities for credits and thus more opportunity for remediation to get caught up if you get behind. That really helps FCAT scores as well. It also helps the arts, i.e., band, chorus, etc., because they get a longer period (usually 85 minutes) during the school day for rehearsal. However, it does have its downsides. The teachers must be highly trained and motivated to engage high school students for the entire 85 minute period. Our success there is mixed. And, good students, the AP students, many times run out of challenging classes and are forced to dual enroll. We are trying desparately to fix that with more teachers and classes, but, that is a challenge. So it has it ups and downs.
I suspect we will end up with a mixed block schedule over the next few years with some classes that last the entire year. Some classes, like those mentioned by ShallowsNole, will last a full years, other just the semester.
As you all know, I am a huge arts supporter in our schools. I am proud that we have not cut those programs to death like other districts in our state. I firmly believe that strong arts and extra-curricular programs help keep kids in schools.
I am proud of SWHS this year. Its football, band, and other extra curriculars have excelled. So exited to see so much enthusiasm during the football state playoffs. A real dream come true for some many in that community.
Finally, I agree with JDARG that we need more college prep at all of our schools. Our Career Development Center is putting out some outstanding students in the technical fields and they are constantly expanding their offerings in DFS and throughout the various high schools. Thanks guys.....
Block Scheduling. We have used the Block Scheduling model for at least ten years now. It has its advantages and disadvantages. It really helps struggling students because there are 32 opportunities for credits and thus more opportunity for remediation to get caught up if you get behind. That really helps FCAT scores as well. It also helps the arts, i.e., band, chorus, etc., because they get a longer period (usually 85 minutes) during the school day for rehearsal. However, it does have its downsides. The teachers must be highly trained and motivated to engage high school students for the entire 85 minute period. Our success there is mixed. And, good students, the AP students, many times run out of challenging classes and are forced to dual enroll. We are trying desparately to fix that with more teachers and classes, but, that is a challenge. So it has it ups and downs.
I suspect we will end up with a mixed block schedule over the next few years with some classes that last the entire year. Some classes, like those mentioned by ShallowsNole, will last a full years, other just the semester.
As you all know, I am a huge arts supporter in our schools. I am proud that we have not cut those programs to death like other districts in our state. I firmly believe that strong arts and extra-curricular programs help keep kids in schools.
I am proud of SWHS this year. Its football, band, and other extra curriculars have excelled. So exited to see so much enthusiasm during the football state playoffs. A real dream come true for some many in that community.
Finally, I agree with JDARG that we need more college prep at all of our schools. Our Career Development Center is putting out some outstanding students in the technical fields and they are constantly expanding their offerings in DFS and throughout the various high schools. Thanks guys.....
Beach Lover
P.S. we are doing our own investigation into the drop out rate. We are concerned that our various 9th grade classes with have 200+ students and our 12th grade clasees will have 120. Where are the 80 kids. We have staff doing some individual tracking to get a handle on where they went.....Will let you know results...
SoWal Expert
I love hearing great things about SWHS...and tonight at the cross country team banquet, our coach announced that out of 135 Florida CC teams, SWHS boys ranked 7th academically, and our girls 9th!
I am not surprised- this is a really bright group of kids!
I am not surprised- this is a really bright group of kids!
Beach Fanatic
I love hearing great things about SWHS...and tonight at the cross country team banquet, our coach announced that out of 135 Florida CC teams, SWHS boys ranked 7th academically, and our girls 9th!
I am not surprised- this is a really bright group of kids!
Knowing several members of the boys CC team, I am not surprised either! Congrats to DargVader and his teammates!
Beach Fanatic
And cross country kids generally skew pretty high in terms of academic achievement to begin with. So they're coming out on top in what's a pretty tough academic pool, which makes it even more impressive.
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