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Delta graduation rates exceed B.C. averages

High school completion rates are improving across B.C. and Delta continues to produce even higher numbers.
Laura Dixon
Laura Dixon

High school completion rates are improving across B.C. and Delta continues to produce even higher numbers.

The six-year completion rates from 2016–17 throughout the province show that more students overall are completing high school, with the greatest percentage increases for Aboriginal students and students with special needs, according to data released by the Ministry of Education last week.

In the Delta School District, the completion rate for all students is 91.2 per cent, up 2.3 per cent from 2016; 80.2 per cent for Aboriginal students, up 3.5 per cent from 2016; 95.8 per cent for ELL students, up 2.1 per cent from 2016; and 78.8 per cent for students with special needs designations, up 0.3 per cent from 2016.

B.C. comes in at 84 per cent for all students, 65.9 per cent for Aboriginal students, 87 per cent for ELL students and 69.4 per cent for students with special needs designations.

The ministry has also created a new measure with only ministry funded (resident) students. They have calculated the previous five years of this as well, but this is the first time the results have been published.

In Delta, the completion rate is 94.7 per cent, up from 0.8 per cent in 2016. Provincially it is 87.7 per cent.

“With the ministry publishing B.C. graduation rates it offers us a great opportunity to see how Delta’s approach to education and our commitment to our bold vision has impacted students,” said Delta school board chair Laura Dixon.

“It is affirming for us to see the steady upward trend across all of Delta. Our work with inquiry, innovation and equity is driving significant differences throughout our entire system for all students.”

Dixon said the Delta School District has made it its mission to enable all learners to succeed and contribute their full potential to achieve future goals.

“This data is one of many indicators that we are on track and staff will continue to build upon these strategies for student learning success,” Dixon added.

Education Minister Rob Fleming said he is also pleased with the overall data for students.

“As a new government, our vision is to boost student achievement and grad rates. High school completion is a key that opens doors for people, no matter what path they choose,” said Fleming in a news release.

“We’ve seen positive improvements for students with diverse needs and Indigenous learners, but there is more work to be done to ensure all students can recognize their full potential.”