Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to Track Post-Diploma Preparation

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to Track Post-Diploma Preparation

Charlotte, NC – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) will be taking a step forward in its plans to enhance the readiness of students for life post-graduation by tracking data on their preparation for “the three E’s” – enrollment in higher education, enlistment in the military, or employment.

The CMS School Board made the decision last October to track its students’ preparation in these critical areas. However, the task of figuring out how to effectively realize this aim was left in the hands of Superintendent Crystal Hill and her team. Last week, CMS unveiled its approach to this comprehensive data tracking system.

Need for Proper Tracking

The development of a new tracking system was deemed necessary in understanding Students’ progress towards a productive life after high school graduation. Traditional methods of tracking just graduation rates are seen as inadequate. The input from state and local officials bore this outlook, highlighting the need to develop data metrics to measure students’ readiness for whichever path they choose after graduating from high school.

The Plan for Data Tracking

In this newly released plan, for a senior to be considered well-prepared, the student must pass state exams in math, English, and biology and achieve at least one of the following milestones:

• High scores in the SAT or ACT college readiness exams or the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
• Completion of a JROTC pathway
• Achievement of an industry certification
• Completion of a career-tech pathway
• Earn at least one college credit through dual enrollment, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate classes

Next Steps

According to Chief Strategy Officer Beth Thompson, “We’ll be gathering that baseline data for the upcoming school year. And then we’ll be prepared for the 2025-26 school year to be able to set a districtwide baseline and target for the next four years.”

At the same time, North Carolina keeps progressing on developing a more sophisticated system to ensure that high school students are prepared for life post-graduation, not just with academic credentials, but with “durable skills” including effective communication, empathy, and critical thinking skills.

Impact on Education

This move by CMS will allow for a more accurate representation of the preparation and readiness of students for life after high school. The new system will account for more than just academic achievements, providing a broader understanding of students’ skills and readiness.

This direction in educational tracking can enhance the effectiveness of CMS in preparing students for their futures, offering valuable insights to help shape educational programs, strategies, and initiatives tailored to better suit the needs of students.