HILLBORO, Oregon - State report cards for the 2018-19 school year show that more ninth graders are on-track to graduate in the Hillsboro School District than ever before. The District's average is 92%, up 3 percentage points from the 2017-18 school year and besting the state's average by 7 percentage points; and the number of Hispanic/Latinx students is 88%, up 7 percentage points from 2017-18.

Ninth grade on track measures how many students have earned at least one-quarter of their graduation credits (6) in their 9th grade year and is a key indicator for on-time graduation.

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dayle Spitzer credits many factors for the increase: "We have a sophisticated in-house data system that allows us to track students who may be falling behind, or who are at risk for falling behind, and intervene before that happens. Our administrative team, counselors, and graduation coaches all work together to ensure students have the supports and opportunities they need to be successful.

In addition, we are being more purposeful at the 8th grade level to identify students who may struggle with the transition to high school and are providing them with tools, insights, and experiences to better prepare them."

Spitzer continues: "This year, one of our strategic plan goals is to maintain a 90%+ on-track rate for all students in tenth grade. There are currently many supports in place for our ninth and twelfth graders, and we need to ensure that our tenth graders are remaining on track so they do not find themselves in a situation where they are behind in credits and needing to make them up as they enter their final two years of high school."