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Finalists outline data-driven strategies — graduation specialists, cohort tracking and targeted tutoring — to raise graduation rates and close gaps
Summary
Candidates described systems-level interventions to raise graduation and proficiency: monthly data reviews, district and school graduation specialists, focused tutoring/mentoring and targeted investment in one-star schools.
Raising graduation rates and closing achievement gaps were presented as measurable priorities by the finalists, who emphasized data systems and regular case-review processes.
Ben Scholdiner cited his Lansing experience, where he said the district raised graduation rates by 26 percentage points and used monthly cohort reviews to identify at-risk students. He described a model in which district and school graduation specialists run scripted monthly reviews that follow specific students and outreach plans. Jesse Walsh and Joan Ebert recommended tutoring, summer programming and targeted investments in the district’s lowest-performing schools. All finalists urged that funds be allocated where they yield demonstrable returns on student learning.
Why it matters: Graduation rates and subgroup achievement determine student outcomes and affect accountability, community confidence and future funding priorities.
Tactics candidates discussed
- Cohort tracking and case review: Scholdiner described a process where all high schools submit lists of students on- and off-track; teams discuss interventions and contact families (mentors, uncles, grandparents) to re-engage students.
- Graduation specialists and targeted supports: Candidates advocated district-level and school-level graduation specialists to coordinate interventions and ensure monthly follow ups.
- Tutoring, mentoring and summer programs: All finalists named tutoring and mentoring as high-ROI interventions; Walsh suggested summer programs and district-level supports where funding allows.
Quotes drawn from the forum
"When a kid enters ninth grade, they become part of the cohort... If that kid drops out in eleventh grade... that child is still part of the graduation number," Ben Scholdiner said, explaining cohort accountability.
Ending: Candidates presented operational, evidence-aligned tactics to raise graduation and proficiency rates. The district would need to invest in data systems, personnel and targeted programs to execute these plans.
