During a recent Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) board meeting, officials presented the 2023-2024 testing and accountability results, highlighting significant achievements and areas for improvement. Dr. Clinton Robinson and Julie Malik led the discussion, emphasizing the importance of viewing data through the lens of student experiences, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The district celebrated a record high graduation rate of 91.3%, an increase of 1.4% from the previous year. Notably, English learners and Hispanic students showed remarkable gains, with graduation rates rising by 8.9% and 5.6%, respectively. However, the board acknowledged that 8.7% of students still require additional support to graduate.

The presentation also revealed that 64.2% of students met expected academic standards, marking an upward trend. Furthermore, nearly half of the students—47.7%—are now deemed ready for college and careers, a significant step forward compared to previous years. The district ranked 7th in the state for grade-level proficiency and 4th for college and career readiness.

Dr. Robinson noted that 85% of schools met or exceeded growth expectations, the highest rate in over a decade. This success is attributed to targeted academic interventions and the resilience of students and educators alike. The meeting also addressed the performance of specific student groups, with some experiencing slight declines in graduation rates, particularly among Black and Asian students.

Despite these achievements, board member Miss Edmonds raised concerns regarding the state's school performance grading system, which she criticized for its disproportionate emphasis on test scores over growth. She urged for a reevaluation of the grading formula to create a more balanced assessment of school performance, echoing sentiments shared by other board members and educational leaders.

The board plans to delve deeper into these results and strategic plans in an upcoming work session, aiming to ensure that all students have equitable opportunities for success.