HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Graduation rates are on the incline in Houston County, following the same trend shared by the state. This year, Houston County School District has bested the state average.
In 2022, more than 1,900 students graduated from high school, increasing the graduation rate to 89.5%. The rate has skyrocketed from 2011 by 16.3%, and has grown statewide as well by about 14% from 2012. The state’s graduation rate was 84.1% this year.
The State of Georgia has calculated this rate by factoring in the number of students who graduated within four years of high school, not factoring in students who take more than that.
Dr. Lazunia Frierson, Houston County School District’s Assistant Superintendent of District and School Effectiveness, provided insights on their graduation rate to the Journal.
Overall, she said the district is incredibly proud of their students and teachers, and said ensuring graduation starts from the very beginning of a student’s educational journey.
“We believe that graduation success is not solely attributed to what happens in high school. It starts with pre-k, and our elementary teachers work hard to build a strong academic foundation for students to build upon for college and career readiness. Our middle school teachers provide the bridge to transition students successfully from elementary to high school,” Frierson explained.
Explaining further, she said while in school, teacher input and guiding students to graduation helps keep motivation high among students.
“Our curriculum, instruction, and assessment processes are aligned and robust. Our teachers collaboratively analyze relevant and timely student assessment data to inform instructional decisions. We also foster students’ investment in their learning by guiding them to set academic growth goals and engage in learning that helps them reach their goals,” Frierson said.
If students are at risk of not reaching their goals, the school district has options that help address their needs, as Frierson also explained.
“We also have non-traditional pathways for students to earn their diplomas through our WIN Virtual program and programs offered through Central Georgia Technical College. School counselors, intervention teachers, and student success coaches provide guidance to students and their parents about options for different programs designed to help students recover credits and get on track for graduation. Students can recover credits and even graduate through our Summer Learning Academy,” Frierson said.
Looking forward, the school district also has goals of its own.
“There is still more work ahead to increase our graduation rate. We are never satisfied until 100% of students in their respective cohorts graduate. Until then, we will celebrate the successes of our students who are doing an excellent job of achieving their graduation milestones,” Frierson said.
She further explained how the school district hopes to achieve their goals, mainly keeping good relationships internally and within the community.
“We will continue to strengthen our literacy and math instruction so that students have the prerequisite skills to master their learning across all content areas. We will always advocate for our students and prioritize resources to support their academic, social, and emotional needs.” Frierson said.
“We educate the whole child, and that is what helps us achieve success with our students. Hiring and retaining great teachers and leaders is one of our most effective strategies for keeping the graduation rate up. Also, we could not be successful without the valuable partnerships with our parents, community and military leaders, businesses, and, most of all, our dedicated and motivated students.”
Overall, the graduation rate is a factor that ties into the school district’s mission of producing “high achievement for all through continuous growth.”
Frierson said, “The measure of the quality of any [pre-k through] 12 school district is not only the percentage of students graduating, but it is also the quality of learning provided to students who graduate. Houston County wants students to graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter college if they choose to do so, serve in the armed forces, or enter the workforce and be an asset to their employers. Students need to graduate prepared for the careers, professions, and jobs of today and tomorrow. Overall, we want students to be positive and productive citizens.”
HHJ News
