Northeastern superintendent: Report card data seems to be accurate

The report cards only contain a handful of normal data points as the spring 2020 state tests in English, math, science and social studies were canceled after mid-March coronavirus-related school closures.

“The percentages seem to be accurate,” said Superintendent John Kronour. “Most state testing was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in Not Rated scores in most categories."

Northeastern had a four-year graduation rate of 93.6%, a slight decrease from last year’s 96.8%, and a five-year graduation rate of 97.6%, according to state report card data.

The state report card’s four-year graduation rate data applies to students in the class of 2019 who entered ninth grade in the fall of 2015 and graduated by the summer of 2019. The five-year graduation rate data applies to students in the class of 2018 who entered the ninth grade in the fall of 2014 and graduated by the summer of 2019.

“It is difficult to compare graduation rates year to year because the state has changed the graduation requirements multiple times over the last few years. When it comes to graduation, our focus is to help each student who is at risk of not graduating overcome their obstacles to earn their diploma,” Kronour said. “More students graduated in four-years this year than last (262 in 2019 compared to 240 in 2018).”

When it comes to the prepared for success component, which is how well-prepared students are for future opportunities, Northeastern scored a 39.7%. This includes ACT and SAT participation, dual enrollment credit and honors diploma.

According to state report card data, 168 students earned a remediation free score on all parts of the ACT or SAT, earned an honors diploma, and/or earned an industry-recognized credential.

This includes that 94.3% of students took the ACT, 23% of students earned a remediation free score, 19.5% received an honors diploma, 4.6% received industry-recognized credential and 47.6% participated in earning three or more dual enrollment college credits.

“The district’s prepared for success percentage decreased by .5 percent, a nominal change that can be attributed to a variety of factors," Kronour said. “We are also pleased to note that the percentage of students earning dual enrollment credits increased by more than three percent."

According to state report card data, 56.2% of the 2017 graduating class entered college within two years and 33.4% of the 2013 graduating class graduated from college within six years of leaving high school.