28 May 2023 , 18:51
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A high school has been forced to postpone its graduation after 85% of students failed to pass their exams.
Marlin High School in Texas, US, revealed just five of the thirty-three pupils passed their diplomas and met the requirements for graduation.
The school stated the poor grades were due to attendance issues which have affected the schoolchildren's learning.
The planned graduation has now been moved to the middle of June in order for pupils to have more time to pass their exams.
Superintendent Darryl Henson tried to reassure parents, saying in a statement: “Our commitment to excellence remains unshaken.
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“We hold firm to our belief that every student in Marlin ISD can and will achieve their potential."
Marlin High School has delayed its graduation (KWTX-TV)He called for a compulsory meeting for parents last week in order to address the poor grades.
Mr Henson added: “Let this be a lesson learned for all. As we continue to go through our annual graduation audit, it’s our obligation to ensure that all students have met all requirements.
"Support, accountability, & integrity will remain at the forefront."
The school had recently shifted to a four-day school week in a bid to reduce the absences.
According to Marlin High Schools’ Texas Schools, 98.7% of the school’s students come from an economically disadvantaged background.
A total of 229 students were enrolled at the school in the 2021-2022 school year.
But despite the poor grades, school officials said they remain committed to the four-day week.
Nikisha Edwards, Chief Academic Officer, said in a statement: “Our shift to a four-day school week is part of our effort to increase bell-to-bell instruction, increase student engagement during days school is in session, and keep absences from infringing on instructional time.
“We are committed to ensuring these strategic shifts benefit students as intended."
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A flyer was also sent out to families by the district stressing the importance of high attendance.
"Regular school attendance is a powerful predictor of student success", it said.
But the decision to delay the graduation was met with anger by some parents whose children had passed their exams.
Responding to the announcement on Facebook, one parent wrote: "Marlin ISD should be SHAMED and ASHAMED.
"Let the five graduate, on time! This is BULL that you penalized the students whom put in the effort, because the bulk of the students are FAILURES."
While another user agreed, writing: "Why on earth would you ever punish kids that have worked hard and done what they're supposed to in order to graduate.
"This should have been known 6 weeks ago at least!"