Lower Graduation Rate Among Students With Disabilities
Graduation rates for students with disabilities have improved nationally but still lag behind their peers, with gaps influenced by state policies, alternative diplomas, and access to support services, highlighting the need for higher expectations.
Graduation Rates for Students with Disabilities: A Persistent Gap 🎓
While more students with disabilities are graduating high school, a gap remains between their graduation rates and those of their non-disabled peers. New data from the National Center for Education Statistics reveals that in some states, students with disabilities graduate at half the rate of other students.
Progress and Disparities 📈
Since 2014, the national graduation rate for students with disabilities has steadily increased. However, many states still report gaps of 20-30 percentage points, often larger than the gaps for racial/ethnic minorities or English language learners.
Factors Affecting Graduation Rates 🎓
Several factors contribute to these disparities:
- Alternative Diplomas: Some states offer alternative or special education diplomas that allow students with disabilities to graduate without meeting the same requirements as other students.
- Support Services: Support services that help students with disabilities adjust to college and prevent disruptions in their enrollment (like transferring, part-time attendance, or dropping out) also play a significant role in degree completion.
Closing the Gap 🌉
To close the graduation gap, policies should focus on:
- Improving student preparation
- Increasing access to academic support
- Addressing discontinuous enrollment patterns
- Setting higher expectations to ensure university degrees lead to independence and well-paying jobs
This information is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. It is essential to consult with legal professionals for any legal matters or before making any decisions related to legal issues.