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UTB-CBIRD Report: “At The Crossroads” Education & Training 43
Figure 4. 3. Enrollment Growth, 1997-2001
1997 Enrollment = Baseline of 100
112
110
108
106
104
102
100
98
Figure 4. 4. Growth in HS Graduates, 1996-2000
130.00
120.00
110.00
100.00
90.00
80.00
Number of 1996 Graduates = 100
111
110
105
104
103
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Source: 1997-2001 PEIMS, Texas Education Agency, Austin TX
While public school enrollment figures show overall growth, Cameron County has
an “attrition rate” of 51% 1 according to the Intercultural Development Research
Association (IDRA). While not a drop out rate, per se, the attrition rate depicts
the loss of students within each graduating cohort. While some of this number
includes students who move to another area, pursue private schooling, or attain
a GED, the 51% attrition rate more accurately describes the rate of student loss,
than the 1% annual drop out rate reported by the Texas Education Agency (TEA)
for the State of Texas and also for Cameron County.
High School Graduates
According to the 1999-2000 Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) data,
there were 4,300 high school graduates in Cameron County, representing 2% of
the state total. The number of high school graduates in the county increased
17% in the past five years (a fraction of a percentage more than Hidalgo County),
compared to a 24% increase statewide, Figure 4.4.
24%
17%
17%
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
101
Source: 1996-2000 PEIMS, Texas Education Agency, Austin TX
1 For the school year of 2000-2001, according to the IDRA, www.idra.org. Attrition is calculated by
(1) dividing the high school enrollment in the end year by the high school enrollment in the base year;
(2) multiplying the results from Calculation 1 by the ninth grade enrollment in the base year; (3)
subtracting the results from Calculation 2 from 12th grade enrollment in the end year; and (4)
dividing the results of Calculation 3 by the result of Calculation 2. The attrition rate results
(percentages) were rounded to the nearest whole number.
K - 9 Enrollment
Texas
Cameron Co.
Hidalgo Co.
10-12 Enrollment
Texas
Cameron Co.
Hidalgo Co.
Texas
Cameron
Hidalgo
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