FCPS presents Goal 5 report highlighting graduation equity progress and future strategies

The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) School Board convened on April 8, 2025, for its final goal report of the school year, focusing on progress towards the district's 2030 objectives. The session emphasized "Leading for Tomorrow's Innovation," particularly measures C through G related to graduation equity.

The presentation began with an overview of graduation equity, defined as ensuring all students graduate with a plan for post-secondary success. Key metrics included on-time graduation rates, dropout statistics, diploma types, and post-graduation plans. Notably, FCPS reported a 95% on-time graduation rate for the previous year, slightly above the state average and comparable to other Northern Virginia districts. Approximately 62% of the class of 2024 earned advanced studies diplomas, while 31% received standard diplomas.

The board highlighted significant improvements in on-time graduation and dropout rates, particularly among multilingual learners and Hispanic students, indicating progress in closing achievement gaps. The data revealed that students classified as English Language Proficient (ELP) levels 1 and 2 showed the most growth in graduation rates, suggesting effective interventions are in place.

The meeting also addressed the Federal Graduation Indicator (FGI), which will influence school accountability scores in Virginia. The 4-year FGI, which does not adjust for students who take longer to graduate, will account for 15% of a high school's score, while the 6-year FGI will contribute 5%. The board noted that the FGI rates were lower than the on-time graduation rates, emphasizing the need for continued focus on supporting students who require extended time to graduate.

In discussing dropout rates, the board reported a decline in overall dropout rates, with significant improvements among groups previously experiencing higher dropout rates. However, a concerning trend emerged, as approximately 75% of students who dropped out were current multilingual learners, highlighting the need for targeted support for this demographic.

The presentation concluded with a review of the types of diplomas earned by graduates, noting that while the majority received advanced studies diplomas, there is a need to ensure that all students are pursuing diplomas aligned with their post-secondary goals. The board discussed the potential for setting targets related to diploma types, particularly for students planning to attend four-year colleges.

In summary, the meeting underscored FCPS's commitment to graduation equity and the ongoing efforts to support all students in achieving their educational goals. The board plans to continue refining strategies to address the needs of diverse student groups as they work towards their 2030 objectives.