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As graduation rates rise, concerns about the meaning of diplomas are also rising (see, e.g., “As Graduation Rates Rise, a Fear Diplomas Fall Short,” New York Times, page A-1. December 27, 2015). Citing illustrative data drawn from a district in South Carolina outside of Spartanburg County, the article reports that “in school districts across the country … the number of students earning high school diplomas has risen to historic peaks, yet measures of academic readiness for college or jobs are much lower.”

This same article points to positive reasons why graduation rates may be rising, most of which apply in Spartanburg County: “… a decline in teenage pregnancy rate … use of data systems to identify students with multiple absences or failed classes so educators can better help them … more chances to make up failed credits online or in short tutoring sessions without repeating a whole semester or more.”