[CA] Key Takeaways from CALPADS Update Flash #274: Graduation Guidance

Overview

The California Department of Education (CDE) has issued updated guidance for reporting high school students who graduate by August 15, 2024. This guidance is intended to clarify how Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) should report data to the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS).

Main Points:

• Continued Practice for Summer Graduates: Students who complete graduation requirements during the summer will continue to be counted in the prior school year.
• Definition of Summer Graduates: High school students in Grade 12 who complete graduation requirements and graduate between the last day of the school year and August 15.

Reporting On-Time Graduates:

• Regular High School Graduates: Most students complete requirements by May or June.
• Data Submission for On-Time Graduates:
  • Enrollment Exit Date: Last day of school attendance.
  • Student Exit Category: E230 (CompleterExit).
  • School Completion Status: 100 (Graduated, standard HS diploma).

Reporting Summer Graduates:

1. Exit at End of Regular School Year:
   • Enrollment Exit Date: Last day of school attendance.
   • Student Exit Category: E156 (GD12ContinuedED).
2. Re-enrollment and Exit After Completing Requirements:
   • Enrollment Start and Exit Date: Actual date of graduation.
   • Student Exit Category: E230 (CompleterExit).
   • School Completion Status: 100 (Graduated, regular HS diploma).

Important Considerations:

• No Summer Enrollments in CALPADS: LEAs should not submit summer enrollment records.
• One-Day Enrollment/Exit: For students completing requirements during the summer on or before August 15, 2024.
• Accurate Cohort Reports: LEAs must ensure data accuracy in cohort reports.
• August 16 Deadline: Graduation data must be posted to CALPADS by this date for students to be counted in the 2023-24 school year.

Changes to Exit Category Code E156:

• Revised Definition: Now includes students expected to complete graduation requirements during the summer or the subsequent school year.
• Usage: Only for Grade 12 students, and must be used appropriately based on the student's expected return or completion status.

Conclusion:

The updated guidance ensures that LEAs report graduation data accurately for students completing their requirements during the summer. Adhering to these guidelines will help maintain accurate records in CALPADS, ultimately supporting better educational outcomes and accountability.

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