The study shows about 54 percent of Newark High School graduates enroll in college. An increase from 39 percent showed in figures from previous numbers. But Reginald Lewis with the Newark City of Learning Collaborative says not enough students are persisting towards degree completion.
“Just 23 percent of 2011 high school graduates in our sample earned a certificate or degree within six years. Six years has become a common measure for completion nationwide in light of the fact that on average students are taking longer than four years to earn a degree,” Lewis said.
The study also shows high school graduation rates are up in Newark. Public Schools Superintendent Roger Leon says he’s putting a ten-year strategic plan together to further improve those numbers.
“The reported graduation rates of 78 percent today are much higher than the 55 percent reported approximately ten years ago. The reporting of 55 percent was always unacceptable then. And 78 percent is unacceptable today.”
Leon says more high school graduates means more college students. The Newark City of Learning Collaborative is hoping for 25 percent of residents to have college degrees by 2025.