County found low on higher education

"But at the same time we are not satisfied," he said, adding that officials' goal is to have an 100 percent graduation rate.

Students attendance and involvement play a critical role in decreasing the dropout rate, he said. "They can't pass a class unless they come to school," he said.

District officials are working hard to continue to increase the graduation rates at all of its high schools. Each high school might unfold the programs a little different, but essentially they are all doing the same, Scambray said.

Costa Aguilar, principal at Golden Valley High School, said the school this year implemented an intervention model that's embedded within the school day.

Every freshmen participates in a 30-minute class four days a week to ensure they are getting the appropriate study, social and academic skills they need to succeed, Aguilar said. Sophomores, juniors and seniors receive a 30-minute tutorial or study hall four days a week where they can catch up on work.

Previously, students had to come before or after school if they needed assistance with school work, but now they have no other choice since the time is built in to the school day, Aguilar said.

School officials saw a 60 percent reduction in student failure this first semester in comparison to last year, he said. But officials will really see how the graduation rates increase when this year's freshmen class graduates.

The more educated someone is, the higher income that person will take home.

Median earnings for someone in the county with a high school diploma or equivalent is estimated to be around $26,834, while estimated median earnings for someone with some college classes or an associate degree are around $30,590, according to the earnings by education level data from the American Community Survey.

The estimated median earnings for someone with a bachelor's degree is around $50,846 and $66,965 for those with a graduate or professional degree.

Jorge Aguilar said the Center for Educational Partnerships works with high school students across the valley to help them advance their educational careers.

"We make sure they are taking the right courses, test and how to navigate through the (college) admission process," he said.

Reporter Yesenia Amaro can be reached at (209) 385-2482, or yamaro@mercedsunstar.com.