January 27, 2023 3:50 a.m.

Roseburg High School Principal Dr. Jill Weber says that as anticipated, disruptions in learning caused by the pandemic have stalled the upward trajectory of Roseburg High School’s graduation rate.

Weber says the success of programs meant to ensure that students stay on track to graduate indicates that the downward trend will be temporary.

A Roseburg Public Schools release said the 4 year cohort grad rate for RHS was 79 percent, according to data released Thursday by the Oregon Department of Education. That compares to a nearly 90 percent rate seen in 2021, which was the highest rate on record. Meanwhile the average 4-year cohort rate statewide in 2022 was 81 percent, up from the previous year’s 80 percent.

Weber said distance learning posed a significant challenge for many students. In addition, the interventions and supports RHS has in place for students during a normal school year, were not available during distance learning.

Weber said, “We did everything we could during the pandemic to keep tabs on students and encourage them to participate in remote learning”. Weber said it was difficult for everyone and not surprising that the effects will be felt for several years.

The release said one of the main methods for predicting future graduation rates is following the number of ninth-graders on track to graduate. That number dropped below 75 percent in the 2020-21 school year, having reached 90 percent the previous year. Weber said that has already begun to rebound with ninth-graders in the 2021-22 school year reaching an 83 percent on-track rate. Weber believes that will be reflected by increased graduation rates 3 years from now.

Weber said when measuring student success, it is important to also consider the 2022 completer rate, which includes graduates, GED completers, and students who earn their diploma in 5 years. That 2022 5-year RHS completer rate was 91.5 percent, which is above the state average of 86.5 percent.

The release said the overall 2021-22 district 4-year cohort graduation rate, which includes Phoenix Charter School was about 70 percent compared to the previous year’s 69 percent. The individual 2021-22 rate for Phoenix was nearly 31 percent.

Dr. Jill Weber will talk more about graduation rates, on next Wednesday’s Inside Douglas County on News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN.