(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) (i) “Four–year adjusted cohort” means a group of students who are entering the ninth grade for the first time from a cohort that is subsequently adjusted by adding any students who transfer into the cohort later during the ninth grade and the next three years and subtracting any students who transfer out, emigrate to another country, or die during that same period.
(ii) “Four–year adjusted cohort” also includes students retained in grade and only counted once as members of their original cohort.
(3) “Graduation rate” means the percentage obtained from applying the graduation rate formula.
(4) (i) “Graduation rate formula” means the number of students who graduate on time with a Maryland high school diploma divided by the number of students in the four–year adjusted cohort.
(ii) “Graduation rate formula” does not include students who graduate on time with a GED or other certificate not aligned with State standards.
(5) (i) “On time” means on or before the conclusion of a four–year adjusted cohort’s fourth year of high school.
(ii) “On time” includes a senior summer session in a jurisdiction that offers senior summer sessions.
(6) (i) “Transfer out” means a student who the county board confirms, via written documentation, has enrolled in another high school or other educational program from which that student is expected to receive a Maryland high school diploma.
(ii) “Transfer out” does not include a student enrolled in:
1. A GED program; or
2. An alternative education program that does not issue or provide credits toward a Maryland high school diploma.
(b) The purpose of this section is to:
(1) Initiate a process by which the State may achieve the goal of collecting, maintaining, analyzing, and publicly reporting data relating to the graduation rates of students in public high schools as an essential step in addressing gaps in educational achievement among a diverse student population; and
(2) Explicitly delineate the duties and responsibilities of the Department and the county boards in this regard.
(c) (1) Beginning on or before September 1, 2011, and each year thereafter, a county board shall:
(i) Collect, maintain, and analyze graduation rates for public schools, local school systems, and the State; and
(ii) Report the information required under item (i) of this paragraph to the public and the Department in the aggregate and disaggregated by:
1. Hispanic or Latino of any race;
2. For individuals who are nonHispanic or nonLatino only:
A. American Indian or Alaska Native;
B. Asian;
C. Black or African American;
D. Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander;
E. White; or
F. Two or more races;
3. Students who are limited English proficient;
4. Students who receive free and reduced price meals; and
5. Students who receive special education services.
(2) Beginning on or before October 1, 2011, and each year thereafter, the Department shall:
(i) Compile the information received under paragraph (1) of this subsection and calculate a graduation rate for the State; and
(ii) Post the information obtained under this subsection for each county on its website in the aggregate and disaggregated by:
1. Hispanic or Latino of any race;
2. For individuals who are nonHispanic or nonLatino only:
A. American Indian or Alaska Native;
B. Asian;
C. Black or African American;
D. Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander;
E. White; or
F. Two or more races;
3. Students who are limited English proficient;
4. Students who receive free and reduced price meals; and
5. Students who receive special education services.
(d) (1) The county boards and the Department may develop and implement additional indicators to collect, maintain, analyze, and publicly report data regarding alternative high school completions.
(2) The Department shall ensure that the information collected under paragraph (1) of this subsection is comparable for public schools and local school systems in the State.
(e) The Department shall:
(1) Implement training for administrators and other personnel responsible for collecting, maintaining, analyzing, and publicly reporting data regarding four–year adjusted cohorts and graduation rates;
(2) Implement a standard process for verifying the accuracy of data including:
(i) Statistical checks and analyses; and
(ii) On–site audits of record–keeping procedures;
(3) Implement a public awareness campaign including outreach to civic associations, community–based groups, and parent organizations and the solicitation of suggestions and community support regarding the need for collecting, maintaining, analyzing, and publicly reporting accurate data regarding four–year adjusted cohorts and graduation rates;
(4) Provide technical support to the county boards with collecting, maintaining, analyzing, and publicly reporting graduation rate data; and
(5) Serve as a central repository for this data.