Graduation Rates Go Up in Sonoma County

Graduation rates increased slightly last year, including at Rancho Cotate High, where 94 percent of students received diplomas, according to data released this week by the state Department of Education.

The number is slightly higher than the year before, when 92 percent of students graduated from the school. Still, the number is significantly better than the 80 percent average for Sonoma County. 

Overall, California's graduation rates rose during the 2011-12 school year, with 78.5 percent of students graduating. That marks a 1.4 percent increase from the year before.

But challenges remain, especially for students of color.

Among African-American students statewide, only 65.7 percent graduated with their class in 2012, up 2.9 points from the year before.

Among Latino students, 73.2 percent graduated in 2012, up 1.8 points from the year before.

State Superintendent Tom Torlakson said while the trend is positive, California schools still need to do more. He said he'd like to see the graduation rate top 80 percent in the near future and then reach 90 percent by 2020.

He commended local school officials for improving education despite budget cuts the past few years and the fact California is 49th in the nation in education funding.

"As I travel up and down the state, I see great things happening in California schools every day," said Torlakson.

Dean E. Vogel, president of the California Teachers Association, also viewed the data as positive.

“It’s hopeful news that California’s student graduation rate continues to improve despite record cuts to public education in recent years. Nearly eight out of 10 students who started high school in 2008 as the Great Recession hit our nation graduated in 2012," he said in a prepared statement.

"Despite soaring class sizes, layoffs and program cuts over the past several years, teachers are proudly watching more of their students receive high school diplomas and a chance at college and a better future. That will always be good news."