I recently spoke to Broad Ripple Magnet High School vice principal David Tuttle about the news of the graduation rate increase. In 2009 the rate was 59%, in 2010 it was 60.2%, and in 2011 it was 77.9%. These statistics come from the cohort report that tracks students during their four years at the high school. The report indicates if a student has moved away, transferred to another school, dropped out, etc. The report is issued about six months after the end of the school year. The expectations are that the 2012 numbers will be as high or higher than 2011.

"This is an overall effort by the students, the teachers, the counselors, everybody," explained Mr. Tuttle. He further explained that this report's increase can also be attributed to the school's transition to all magnet. Broad Ripple High School became an all magnet school in 2009 and was renamed Broad Ripple Magnet High School.

The school offers tutoring for students. There are also Success Periods. These are 30 minute blocks for every student every day, focusing on a subject that will help that student improve. Another program is the Rocket Success Center staffed with college students and teachers that volunteer to help.

Mr. Tuttle said that BRMHS has dropped the "pre" classes for algebra and science, and encourages students to take the full math and science courses. "Mrs. Davis has been strong in not giving students the easier classes to take," said Mr. Tuttle. This effort asks more from the students and they are responding by doing better.

I asked Mr. Tuttle about Scholastic Achievement Partners. Scholastic is the "lead partner" at BRMHS as mandated by the State of Indiana to evaluate the school for three years. The team is made up of former administrators, principals, and teachers. Scholastic is focusing on the middle school classes. Mr. Tuttle says the outlook is very promising for this lead partner effort.