The statewide graduation rate for the class of 2023 is 81.3 percent, tying the previous class as the second highest graduation rate ever recorded in Oregon, according to data released Jan. 25 by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE).
While the overall rate held steady, some student groups reached all-time highs for graduation including former English Learners (87.6 percent) and Migrant students (81.6 percent).
“These 37,700 graduates overcame historic challenges to earn their diploma. During their journey to graduation the class of 2023 endured the full, multi-year impact of COVID and its aftermath,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Oregon Department of Education Director. “Each diploma represents an inspiring step forward for a student, their loved ones, and their community. With impressive grit and resourcefulness they worked their way through the jarring and isolating impacts of the pandemic to earn their education. We need to maintain high expectations and provide high levels of support that will lead to academic excellence for all of our students.
“Each and every child from birth through fifth grade must be set up for success in learning to read and reading to learn and be provided opportunities to find their path to graduation success and their dream career.”
“I am never satisfied when it comes to our kids. We will continue working hard to improve results in the coming school years,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “Still, it’s important that we are seeing some positive results in key areas where the state has been targeting resources, such as career and technical education and supporting English Language Learners. This targeted approach to success is working for our students, so let’s do more of that, and I hope lawmakers support summer learning investment in the 2024 session.”
