GILMER HIGH SCHOOL ONE OF 15 STATE SCHOOLS

RECOGNIZED IN GEORGIA PARTNERSHIP STUDY

High Graduation Rate, Sustained Improvement Since 2004 Stand Out

Gilmer High School is one of only 15 Georgia high schools to achieve at least an 85 percent graduation rate in 2008 after seeing an increase of at least 10 percentage points starting in the base year 2004.  The schools also sustained that level through the 2009 graduation year.  Dr. Steve Dolinger, president of the Georgia Partnership - a non-partisan, non-profit organization focused on improving student achievement - said his organization decided to take a close look at the state graduation rate that has shown a steady increase over the past few years.  "When we started to look at the numbers, a group of schools stood out," he said.  "It was apparent they were following winning formulas.  They have very high expectations for students and faculty alike, and they provide additional instruction and supports to ensure all students graduate on time.  We congratulate them all!" The longer, detailed report is available on the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education web site at www.gpee.org or, for a summary,  click on the attached document below.  (Article adapted from press release)