NYC High Schools Graduation Rates Decline

New York City’s high school graduation rate dipped for the second consecutive year to 60.4 percent, after making big gains since 2005 when the rate was less than 50 percent, writes The Wall Street Journal.

According to data released Monday, the New York City graduation rate has plateaued over the past two years as it has became tougher to qualify for a diploma.

“And I predict they’re going to fall again this year, because this year’s Regents results so far at my school are disappointing,” said a high school principal for school in East New York, Brooklyn.

Seniors are required to pass five Regents exams with a score of 65 or better, and the state had begun to require stricter grading controls to prevent score inflation.

“Since the city has taken over grading of the exams, the reflecting scores are much lower, which means fewer kids will be graduating,” said the principal.

However, at a news conference, Mayor Michael Bloomberg listed what he says is evidence of an improved educational landscape since his tenure, including better teacher-recruitment and retention rates, increased teacher accountability and increased school options for parents through the opening of more charter schools.

"The bottom line is our schools are in better shape than they've ever been," Bloomberg said. "We'll continue to work to improve our schools with every remaining day we have in City Hall."