D.C. public schools increased graduation rates despite plummeting test scores, report reveals

On April 25, 2023, the D.C. Policy Center’s report, State of D.C. Schools 2021-22, was cited by The Lion:

A new report reveals that Washington D.C.’s public schools have increased their graduation rates despite marked declines in both reading and math.

The D.C. Policy Center report, which compared recent data with pre-pandemic statistics, shows an overall rise of 7% in graduation rates between the 2018-2019 and 2021-2022 school years.

But despite handing out more diplomas, the schools’ math and English language arts test scores declined 6-12%. The district also saw a 65% increase in chronic absenteeism, with almost half of students missing 10% or more of an entire school year.

Author

D.C. Policy Center

Established in 2016, the D.C. Policy Center is a non-partisan research and policy organization committed to advancing policies for a strong and vibrant economy in the District of Columbia. Through rigorous research and collaboration, the D.C. Policy Center develops and tests policy ideas, disseminates its findings, and engages in constructive dialogue and debate.

For more information, please see our About page.

D.C. public schools increased graduation rates despite plummeting test scores, report reveals | The Lion

Author

D.C. Policy Center

Related

Identifying what investments work as schools face difficult fiscal picture

Education investments to boost attendance, improve learning, and strengthen high school in the FY25 budget need to also identify what works

Rising Graduation Rates and Falling SAT Scores for D.C. Students