To resolve the graduation gap among Black and Hispanic students in Central Florida, the development of equity-centered practices to improve high school graduation rates is essential. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of incorporating methods such as the self achievement theory, self-determination methodology, and equity…

National employment data forecasts a significant need for graduates in the STEM disciplines for middle-income American jobs. If the American labor force is to keep pace with the global economy, it is critically important that American higher education increase STEM degree production. Currently, minority populations lack access and thus opportunity…

The Latino population in the United States is large and growing. As a whole, however, it has been challenged with inequitable educational attainment rates compared to other groups, meriting the attention of public agencies, postsecondary institutions, and advocates. Latino economic and career success -- and the success of our overall economy --…

Math is an integral subject in nearly all STEM disciplines, and early exposure to advanced math coursework may encourage high school students to enter and persist in STEM fields in college. This report examines whether taking college algebra through dual enrollment affects high school graduation, college enrollment, and early STEM outcomes. I use…

On January 7, 2020, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) released high school graduation rates for the State of Florida and the School District of Palm Beach County (District). It should be noted that due to COVID-19, assessment requirements for graduation were waived for FY20 seniors who had yet to meet them. This fact should be kept in…

In FY19, School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC) outperformed Florida and four other large urban school districts by maintaining a stable graduation rate from FY18 to FY19. District operated high schools exceeded the Board's Strategic Plan goal of 90% by posting a graduation rate of 91.6%. In this memorandum, table 1 reports the graduation…

In FY17, the School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC) outperformed Florida and six other large urban school districts for the fourth consecutive year (FY14-FY17), and has consistently increased the graduation rate, including from FY16 to FY17. More importantly, the disparity between White students and their Black and Hispanic peers was reduced…

In FY16, the School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC) outperformed Florida and six other large urban school districts and increased the graduation rate from FY15. The Federal High School Graduation Rate includes standard diplomas but excludes special diplomas and GEDs (General Education Diplomas). This memorandum reports the graduation rates…

On January 5, 2016, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) released graduation rates for the State of Florida and the School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC). The Federal High School Graduation Rate includes standard diplomas but excludes special diplomas and GEDs (General Education Diplomas). In FY2015, SDPBC outperformed Florida and six…

Catholic educational institutions play an important role in educating Latino high achieving students. Latino students attending Catholic high schools are more likely to graduate and transition to college immediately following high school. Few studies have examined the outcomes of Latino students who attend Catholic colleges and universities and…

In FY18, School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC) outperformed Florida and five other large urban school districts for the fifth consecutive year (FY14-FY18), and has consistently increased the graduation rate, including from FY17 to FY18. District operated school students exceeded the Board's Strategic Plan goal of 90% by posting a graduation…

How can institutions and communities accelerate Latino student success? Examples of "Excelencia" is the only national effort to identify and promote evidence-based programs accelerating Latino student success in higher education. Since 2005, "Excelencia" in Education has recognized over 300 programs making a positive difference…

Programs that support Latino students while they earn a high school diploma and make the transition to college are key to increasing Latinos' degree attainment. More Latino students are going to college than ever before, but graduation rates are not rising at the same pace. Pathway programs align academic and student support services through…

This report focuses on the percentages of graduates and dropouts in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools when broken down by both ethnicity/race and gender for years 2011-12 and 2012-13. The percentages in outcome categories for this report are based on a four-year adjusted cohort model. For the purposes of this report, students at the end of…

School suspension rates have been rising since the early 1970s, especially for children of color. One body of research has demonstrated that suspension from school is harmful to students, as it increases the risk of retention and school dropout. Another has demonstrated that school dropouts impose huge social costs on their states and localities,…