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District Links: New council bill aims to boost teacher retention

March 15, 2023
  • D.C. Policy Center

On March 15, 2023, the D.C. Policy Center’s report, State of D.C. Schools 2021-22, was cited by The DC Line:

A report out today delves into the many changes for DC schools since the start of the pandemic. Meanwhile, nine members of the DC Council are introducing a bill that seeks to boost teacher retention.

The “State of D.C. Schools” report from the D.C. Policy Center notes that school communities in the 2021-22 school year demonstrated resilience in the face of various challenges, including a dramatic rise in mental health issues and chronic absenteeism. High school graduation rose to 75%, up two percentage points, but enrollment in postsecondary institutions dropped by an equal measure to 51%.

Based on current trends, D.C. Policy Center analysts predict that 8 out of every 100 ninth graders will complete postsecondary education within six years of high school graduation. That’s down from 14 in 2020.

“With so much potential for recovery, DC needs to continuously evaluate efforts, set bold goals especially around achievement and postsecondary outcomes, and make changes when things are not working,” the D.C. Policy Center concluded in a Twitter thread highlighting key findings.

Read more: District Links: New council bill aims to boost teacher retention | The DC Line

Related: State of D.C. Schools, 2021-22: In-Person Learning, Measuring Outcomes, and Work on Recovery | D.C. Policy Center

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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.

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