News Summary
Houston’s graduation rates highlight significant inequities, particularly among Black and Hispanic students. The HISD shows alarming discrepancies, with only 29% of the Class of 2018 graduating from college. Notably, less than 25% of Black and Hispanic students attain degrees within six years, contrasting sharply with 70% of white students. With recent enrollment trends declining, the district is launching initiatives to address these inequalities. The educational disparities reflect systemic challenges that could impact Houston’s future workforce and economy.
Houston’s College Graduation Rates Show Stark Disparities
In the bustling city of Houston, a heartwarming celebration took place on May 30, 2023, as students from Carnegie Vanguard High School proudly graduated, marking a significant milestone in their educational journeys. Yet, amidst the joy, there’s a pressing issue that looms over the Houston Independent School District (HISD) — a troubling gap in college graduation rates, particularly affecting Black and Hispanic students.
The Graduation Numbers
Back in 2018, nearly 100 hopeful graduates walked the stage at Kashmere High School, but fast forward six years, and it’s a grim picture. A mere five of those graduates have actually earned college degrees from any institution in the U.S. Such numbers tell a story — at several HISD campuses like Kashmere, college graduation rates often linger in the single digits, while top-performing schools see around 80% of their graduates earning degrees within six years.
Overall, for the HISD Class of 2018, 29% managed to graduate from college, an increase from 28% the previous year. However, these statistics paint a picture filled with stark disparities, especially when broken down by race and income.
The Glaring Gaps
Unequal opportunities begin early and continue to compound over the years. At HISD, less than 25% of Black and Hispanic students achieve a college degree within six years. This is something district leaders find unacceptable. In contrast, approximately 70% of white students and 87% of Asian students from the same district successfully graduate, underlining the systemic inequalities that exist.
College Enrollment Trends
Top and Bottom Performers
Among HISD campuses, Carnegie Vanguard stands out with an impressive 83% graduation rate, while Kashmere highlights the dire situation with its dismal 5%. This situation underscores the disparities present within the district, affecting certain neighborhoods and student demographics more severely.
Strategies for Improvement
HISD is taking proactive steps to improve these troubling statistics. They are focused on increasing access to advanced coursework, ensuring students apply to at least three colleges, and providing needed resources to those who require it most. Approximately 38% of HISD’s 2023 graduates met college-ready standards in both reading and math, which is a step in the right direction.
Moreover, the University of Houston remains the top destination for HISD graduates seeking a four-year degree, while about 16% enrolled at Houston Community College. However, the long-term outlook remains grim unless effective changes are made to address these disparities.
Looking Ahead
With disparities that begin as early as third grade and persist until graduation, the need for systemic change has never been clearer. The trends show a systematic failure to distribute essential resources to students who need them the most. Experts are already pointing out the potential long-term impacts these educational inequities may have on Houston’s workforce and economy.
As Houston forges ahead, the hope is to see stronger action and results that ensure every student—regardless of their background—has the best chance to succeed and earn their college degrees.
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: HISD High School College Graduation
- Houston Chronicle: HISD College Enrollment Inequities
- Houston Chronicle: HISD Popular Colleges 2023
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Education
