Predictors of English Learner Graduation Rates in Georgia

Using publicly available data, the researchers examined variables that may predict English learner graduation rates (ELGR) at the school and school-system levels to determine whether the school average per pupil expenditure (PPE), the school mobility rate (MOB), the percentage of teachers out of field (TOF), and the percentage of inexperienced teachers and/or school leaders (INEX) are significant school- and system-level predictors of ELGR. Researchers estimated five multilevel linear models examining within- and between-group relationships. Analyses of 2019-2020 academic year data for 117 high schools from 42 school systems in the state of Georgia showed that student mobility rates (MOB) and teacher quality (TOF) were significant predictors of ELGR. Paradoxically, increased school spending (PPE) did not predict higher ELGR. These findings help address the lack of research on ELGR and help practitioners identify the school indicators that may be related to this important student outcome.