The Impact of High School Graduation Exams on Graduation Rates in Nevada

• In Event: 75.042 - MTCC Roundtable Session 34
  In Roundtable Session: 75.042-7 - Educational Assessments and Equity in U.S. Schools

Abstract

The State of Nevada eliminated its high school proficiency exam for the graduating class of 2017 and beyond. Previously, in order to graduate, students were required to achieve a passing score on all parts of the assessment. This change in graduation requirements provides an opportunity to determine what effect, if any, this high school graduation exam had on Nevada’s graduation rates. Using publicly available data from the State of Nevada’s Department of Education, this study concludes that the high school graduation exam suppressed overall graduation rates by approximately 6%. Additionally, the exam disproportionately suppressed the graduation rates of minority students, students who received special education services, and non-native English speakers.

Author

• Kenneth Retzl, Guinn Center for Policy Priorities