Description:

This program evaluation examined the implementation of the high school graduation validation process at Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) during the 2024-2025 school year. It investigated how high schools use this process, which involves a series of steps designed to support successful graduation by ensuring that students meet all required credits.

Recommendations:

Based on the results of this evaluation, it is recommended that the Graduation Validation Process continue for an additional year of implementation, accompanied by targeted improvements to ensure equitable and efficient graduation outcomes for all students.

Recommendations include:

• Strengthen Data and Communication Consistency: Efforts should focus on streamlining data systems, improving accuracy, and enhancing communication across stakeholders.
• Clarify Roles, Responsibilities, and Training: Standardized protocols should be developed to clearly define expectations, timelines, and role-specific responsibilities. In addition, recurring training opportunities should be provided for all members of the graduation validation team.
• Provide Targeted Support for Counselors and Students: Consideration should be given to reducing counselor caseloads or reallocating responsibilities during peak graduation periods. Expanding student monitoring and intervention efforts prior to senior year is also critical to addressing academic concerns early
• Build Systems for Continuous Improvement and Accountability: Each school should conduct post-graduation debriefs to reflect on successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Establishing ongoing feedback loops between schools and central office staff is also essential.

File Name: 2024-2025 Graduation Validation Process Evaluation_Final.pdf (8MB PDF)