Report Shows Number of DMPS Graduates Increased in 2010

The number of students graduating from Des Moines Public Schools increased by 5.6 percent from 72.7 percent in 2009 to 78.3 percent in 2010, according to the latest report released by the Iowa Department of Education.

The district’s five-year goal is to raise the graduation rate to 95 percent and lower the dropout rate to below state average. Three years after implementing several supports for at-risk students, the district is seeing steady improvements. The dropout rate for 2010 was 4.8 percent, a decrease from 5.1 percent in 2009.

A new mechanism called the Early Indicator System (EIS) was implemented in fall 2009 to help identify students who may be at risk of dropping out of school. The EIS tracks attendance, class performance, and discipline/behavior issues at the elementary and secondary levels. Each school’s support team helps serve the students who are identified through the EIS as at-risk for dropping out of school.

“There are more opportunities and interventions provided for struggling students at every school,” said Bryce Amos, Executive Director for the Northeast Region. “The implementation of Smaller Learning Communities and academic support labs as well as our Early Indicator System and re-engagement efforts at all schools have made a difference and helped to keep students in school.”