Maryland Reports Dip In Graduation Rates

MARYLAND – Tuesday, the Maryland State Department of Education released the four-year cohort graduation rate for high school students in 2023. They found that the rate of graduation dipped slightly from 86.3% down to 85.8%. The department noted that students who entered the 9th grade during the 2019-2020 school year experienced primarily virtual learning methods–due to the pandemic–until returning in-person in the 11th grade.

At a public meeting, it was also discussed how the pandemic impacted secondary education enrollment rates. At an open meeting, Assistant State Superintendent Chandra Haislet said, “What you’ll see is that we’ve been consistent since the pandemic–around 60 percent–but we still have not returned to pre-pandemic, where two-thirds of students enrolled in post-secondary enrollment within twelve months.”

In a press release, Interim State Superintendent Carey M. Wright added: “We have an opportunity to build upon our education system’s strong foundation to achieve the equitable and successful outcomes we want for all students.”