Board hears progress on ninth-grade on-track and graduation rates; programs to support retention and career pathways
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Summary
District leaders presented ninth-grade on-track data, rising 4‑year and 5‑year graduation rates, and programmatic responses (Fresh Start, TAT, credit recovery, CTE partnerships) aimed at improving retention and postsecondary readiness across Dallas High School and Innovations Academy.
District instructional leaders presented a multi-part update on high-school success metrics and interventions.
District-level results and context: Dr. Ali Ivy framed the presentation by asking the board to focus on growth and persistence rather than direct school-to-school comparisons. She noted the district-wide ninth‑grade on-track rate at 71.8%, Dallas High School at about 82%, and Innovations Academy (an alternative program that enrolls credit-deficient students) showing lower percentages as expected given its mission.
Graduation and completion: The district’s on-time (4-year) graduation rate rose to 82.5% overall; Dallas High School reported 91.2% on-time graduation. Innovations Academy showed modest gains (from about 62.3% to 63.8%) while 5-year completion district-wide was 83.6% (Innovations 72.2%). Presenters emphasized that alternative-program gains, even if numerically smaller, represent substantial progress for students overcoming barriers.
School-level interventions: Innovations Academy’s principal (Donna Scholtes) described a Monday–Thursday student schedule and Friday intensive staff time for professional learning, weekly data reviews (student-centered PLCs), advisory time, restorative practices and targeted success meetings for high‑risk students. Dallas High School principal Phil Williams described Fresh Start (a ninth-grade transition program), weekly teacher access time (TAT) where teachers invite students to remediate or make up work, an intervention progress team and pulse checks to monitor freshman experience.
Career and college readiness: Both schools highlighted partnerships with Columbia Gorge Community College (dual-credit and internship programs), a Passport Program of field trips and community partners, AVID and an expanded CTE pathway (an Ag sciences program pilot). Williams said the district awards more than $300,000 in scholarships annually and uses the Oregon data suite to identify root causes for absenteeism.
Next steps and monitoring: Presenters emphasized continuous monitoring, individualized graduation plans, credit recovery and summer programming as levers to sustain gains. Board members were invited to visit programs and review the eligibility rubric for Measure 98/High School Success funding.
What’s next: Staff will continue data-driven monitoring and share updates on program-level outcomes; board members requested visibility into attendance and early indicators of program effectiveness.