Dropout formulas causing confusion

•The state uses a formula called the Graduation Leaver Indicator. It accounts for graduates and dropouts.

•The Oversight Board formula is based on how many high school seniors enrolled in the fall graduate at the end of the school year.

The following chart shows how different an outcome these can generate, though all are considered graduation rates. The chart reflects data about the 2005-2006 graduating classes in Putnam City, where two of the AP's "dropout factories” are located.

District calculation

State calculation

Oversight Board calculation

Putnam

City High

83.5%

77.8%

96.4%

Putnam

City North

92.8%

85.0%

98.4%

Putnam

City West

69.2%

62.2%*

99.6%

Putnam City

School District

82.9%

75.1%

98.0%

*The State Education Department accepted the district's appeal of this figure because of record-keeping problems at the school.

Sources: Putnam City School District, 2006 Oklahoma School Accountability Data Reports, Office of Accountability 2006 School Report Cards