Minnesota school districts and state agencies annually report data about a school district’s student graduation rates (students in high school) and academic proficiency rates (students in all tested grade levels). Comparing trends in these two data sets can inform whether a school district’s graduation rate is a good metric for assessing the achievement and preparedness of its graduating students.
This interactive map is colorized to show the relationship between different school district’s graduation rate and various student proficiency rates. While this is not a causal relationship nor comparison of identical sets of students, overlaying these data sets helps to gauge general alignment and judge whether the graduation rate in that district is a meaningful metric to pursue and use when establishing benchmarks and performance indicators for proposals, programs and investments. Developing a sense of this relationship helps school leaders to apply resources and to make well-informed decisions.
How to use the map
Use the dropdown menus below to explore student outcomes across Minnesota school districts.
- Choose a sub-group: Select a student demographic group (e.g., Black, Hispanic, Asian, etc.).
- Choose a subject: Select a subject area (Math, Reading, or Science).
- Click “View Map”: This will open an interactive map tailored to your selections.
Each map compares changes in graduation rates and MCA proficiency between 2022 and 2023 for the selected group and subject.
Color Coding:
- 🟥 Red: Both graduation rate and MCA proficiency declined.
- 🟨 Yellow: Graduation rate declined, but MCA proficiency improved.
- 🟪 Purple: Graduation rate improved, but MCA proficiency declined.
- 🟩 Green: Both graduation rate and MCA proficiency improved.
Tooltips:
Hover over a school district to see:
- The district name and number
- The direction of change (↑ or ↓) for both graduation and proficiency
- Exact values for 2022 and 2023, and the percentage point change for each
These maps help you assess whether a district’s graduation rate reflects genuine academic progress—or if it may be rising despite stagnant or falling test performance.
Map Selection:
Questions to Consider About Your Home School District
- Are graduation rates and reading proficiency rates correlated in your home school district?
- Brainstorm what school district policies, programs, decisions and investments affect graduation rates and reading proficiency rates (ie: the substance within credit recovery programs, social promotion to the next grade in elementary school, literacy curriculum selection, etc.).
- Summarize in a written sentence your conclusion about whether your school district’s graduation rate is a meaningful reflection of student achievement.
Additional Resources
Minnesota Report Care (Lookup):
https://rc.education.mn.gov/#mySchool/p–3
State Agency Statewide MCA Testing Webpage
https://education.mn.gov/MDE/fam/tests
State Agency Graduation Requirements Webpage
https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/gradreq