Chicago Students Have Higher High School Graduation And College Enrollment Rates: Report – Block Club Chicago

Chicago Public Schools Achieves Record High Graduation Rate for Class of 2023

Introduction

Chicago Public Schools’ class of 2023 had a high school graduation rate of 85 percent, marking an all-time high for the district, according to a joint report from the To&Through Project and the University of Chicago’s Consortium on School Research. The report also found that college enrollment rates for Chicago students are recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, while college completion rates remain steady.

Educational Milestones for Chicago High School Graduates

The report examined various “educational milestones” for Chicago’s high school graduates, including graduation rates, college enrollment, and college completion. While the graduation rate has improved, the report emphasizes the need to address disparities among different student groups, such as race/ethnicity, gender, English learners, and students with disabilities.

Post-Secondary Attainment Index (PAI)

The report introduces the Post-Secondary Attainment Index (PAI), a metric that predicts the college completion rate for last year’s ninth graders. The PAI projects that 31 percent of Chicago’s ninth grade students who started in 2023-34 will complete a degree at a two-year or four-year institution within 10 years. This projection is only one percentage point higher than last year’s PAI projection.

Enrollment and Completion Rates

Out of 100 students who were in ninth grade in the 2023-24 school year, the report estimates that 31 will earn a college degree or credential by the time they are 25, assuming current high school graduation and college completion rates remain the same. The report also highlights a slight increase in college enrollment rates for the Class of 2023 compared to the previous year. However, the enrollment rates for community colleges or technical schools have declined over time.

Disparities and Concerns

The report raises concerns about disparities in college completion rates. For example, Black and Latino boys had lower graduation rates compared to the district’s average, and students with Individualized Education Programs had a graduation rate of 55.9 percent. Furthermore, the report highlights the lower college completion rates for students who did not immediately enroll in college after high school.

Efforts and Partnerships

The report credits the district’s Freshman on Track work for the increase in graduation rates. This initiative focused on creating a supportive community within schools to monitor student progress. Additionally, Chicago Public Schools officials highlight the district’s efforts to increase college enrollment rates, including providing early college credits and making college more affordable. The report also mentions partnerships between the K-12 system and colleges/universities as a potential solution to improve college completion rates.

Conclusion

While Chicago Public Schools celebrates the record high graduation rate for the Class of 2023, there is still work to be done to ensure that students successfully enroll in and complete higher education. The report emphasizes the importance of addressing disparities and improving college completion rates for all students.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.
• SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
• SDG 4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.
• SDG 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• High school graduation rate
• College enrollment rate
• College completion rate
• Disparities among race/ethnicity, gender, English learners, and students with disabilities

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: blockclubchicago.org