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Glossary: U.S. K-12 Dropout and Completion Rates Definitions


Dropout An individual who was enrolled in school at some time during the previous school year but was not enrolled at the beginning of the current school year. That individual also has not graduated from high school or completed a state- or district-approved education program and does not meet any of exclusionary conditions, including transfer to another public school district, private school, or state- or district-approved education program; temporary absence due to suspension or school-recognized illness; or death.>
Dropout rate Percent of students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 (and a proportion of the ungraded enrollment) that dropped out of school during the specified school year.
Enrollment base Students reported for grades 9 through 12 and a proportion of the ungraded students equal to the proportion of the graded enrollment in a school district that is in grades 9 through 12. Regular diploma: High school completion credential awarded to students who meet or exceed coursework and performance standards set by the state or other approving authority.
Average Freshmen Graduation Rate (AFGR): Number of regular diploma recipients in a given year divided by the average of the membership in grades 8, 9, and 10, reported 5, 4, and 3 years earlier, respectively.
Enrollment base Averaged Freshman Graduation Rate Average of the membership in grades 8, 9, and 10, reported 5, 4, and 3 years earlier, respectively.
Total Other High School Completers Students receiving a certificate of attendance or completion in lieu of a diploma.