Bassett Unified’s graduation rate jumped nearly 4 percentage points to reach 97.1 percent in 2015-16, driven by a focus on providing state-of-the-art classroom technology, infusing schools with a college-going environment and boosting parent engagement to support academics at home.

The latest numbers continue a six-year trend of consistent growth, narrowing the achievement gap among all student groups and schools. Since 2010-11, Bassett High School’s graduation rate has risen 11.9 percentage points to reach 98.4 percent and the rate for Nueva Vista Continuation High School leaped 25 percentage points to 87.1 percent. Out of the 279 students attending both schools in 2015-16, 271 graduated, resulting in a 97.1 percent graduation rate.

English learner graduation rates increased from 93.2 percent in 2014-15 to 96.4 percent in 2015-16, while special education rates raised from 75.9 percent to 88.4 percent. Socioeconomically disadvantaged students increased from 93.2 to 97.1 percent. Dropout rates also dropped significantly, moving from 3.6 percent in 2014-15 to 1.4 percent in 2015-16.

“One of our top priorities is to develop an academic culture where attending college is an automatic goal,” Bassett High Principal Gabriel Griego said. “Our District offers the tools and support for our administrators, teachers and parents to ensure that our students can overcome any challenge as they strive to achieve the highest level of success.”

Bassett Unified invested in state-of-the-art technology for all classrooms, including touchscreen 80-inch smart screens, audio enhancement systems and iPads, aimed at increasing student achievement with enhanced lessons. The District also has a team of specialists who mentor a cohort of “Teacher Innovators” in its newly renovated Bassett Innovation Center, which serves as a space for District professional development and instructional innovation.

Each Bassett Unified school hosts Academic Parent Teacher Team workshops for families to support student education at home by reinforcing classroom instruction through hands-on activities with reading, writing composition and other subjects. Families were also taught how to analyze academic performance data to guide them in how to provide support in their children’s studies.

All three Bassett Unified elementary schools and Edgewood Academy are No Excuses University network members, inspiring students at an early age to pursue higher education. Bassett High celebrates seniors’ accomplishments with an annual scholarship breakfast. This year, the school will host an inaugural college signing day on May 18, when students officially commit to their colleges.

“Our District is on the forefront of integrating rigorous curricula and high-tech tools for our students to be competitive in a higher-education institution,” Bassett Unified Superintendent Dr. Alex Rojas said. “All of our students will graduate with a solid foundation in the knowledge and skills needed to succeed beyond high school.”

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042017_BASSETT_GRADUATION: Bassett Unified’s 2015-16 graduation rates leaped nearly 4 percentage points to 97.1 percent, narrowing the achievement gap among all student groups and schools.