DOE Acknowledges Errors in Graduation Rates

A software error resulted in incorrect reporting in August of 2012 school graduation rates in Hawaii, the state Department of Education said today.

Correction of the programming error showed different outcomes for 205 students. The result was a lower graduation rate in nearly all student categories, according to data provided by the DOE in a statement today.

The biggest discrepancy involved students with disabilities. The DOE reported in August that graduation rate at 73.4%, while the actual number was 60.1%.

Revised graduation rates for Hawaii schools statewide (click to enlarge). Hawaii Department of Education graphic.

The department said the data correction meant a change in graduation rates for 37 high schools. It also affected the status of 11 schools in the Strive HI Performance System, which this year replaced outdated aspects of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

The department said the updated Strive HI results are available on its website at hawaiipublicschools.org.

The error was found during an internal review of 2012 graduation data, the statement said.

“Learning of data errors, particularly this late in the year, is frustrating, complicates communication with school faculties and communities, and disrupts improvement efforts,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “There is no excuse for these errors. We have notified affected schools and I have directed a number of internal actions designed to ensure the accuracy and transparency of our data processes.”