CCCNews Podcast: North Wasco Schools see Rising Graduation Rates, Expand Programs for Diverse Student Needs
The Dalles, Ore., April 9, 2026 — North Wasco County School District leaders highlighted rising graduation rates, expanding academic programs, and strong student growth during a recent CCCNews podcast, offering a snapshot of progress and ongoing challenges across local schools.
In this podcast, CCCNew’s Host Robin Denning chats with Director of Community Engagement Stephanie Bowen, Director of Teaching Allie Ivey and Superintendent Dr. Carolyn Bernal about graduation rates, measuring success and expanding opportunities for students.
District officials said their four-year cohort graduation rate reached 82.9%, up from 78.8% the previous year and now closely aligned with the statewide rate of 83% for the Class of 2025. The district had originally set a goal of reaching 80% by 2027–28, but has already surpassed that benchmark.
That progress comes as the district serves a diverse student population of about 2,800 students, including roughly 45% Hispanic or Latino, 46% white, and 9% other or multiracial students. About 49% of students experience poverty — significantly higher than the statewide average — and 27% have been classified as English language learners at some point in their education.
School leaders said those demographics shape how instruction and support services are delivered, making recent gains in graduation and academic growth more meaningful.
Measuring student success
District leaders explained that schools are currently evaluated using several key metrics, including third-grade reading, ninth-grade on-track rates, graduation rates, five-year completion and attendance.
They also emphasized the use of interim assessments, such as i-Ready, which are administered three times a year to track student progress in math and language arts. Educators said those tools allow teachers to identify specific skill gaps and tailor instruction.
Officials noted that students across all grade levels and subgroups showed growth between fall and winter assessments, with some students making multiple years of progress in a single year.
Expanding programs and opportunities
The district continues to expand several programs aimed at meeting different student needs.
The Dual Language Immersion program, now available to all incoming kindergarten students, has grown from a single classroom to a K–5 program, with plans to add sixth grade next year. The program focuses on bilingualism, academic achievement and cross-cultural competence.
At the high school level, officials highlighted a range of career technical education pathways, including culinary arts, construction, welding, graphic design, computer science and health-related fields. A new agricultural science pathway is also in development at Innovations Academy.
Innovations Academy — the district’s alternative education program — has grown from about 30 students to more than 100 in-person students, along with more than 200 enrolled in a virtual K–12 option.
District leaders said the program is designed to provide flexible learning options for students who may not thrive in a traditional high school setting, including those needing credit recovery, online learning or additional support.
The program has contributed to a 20% increase in five-year completion rates and a 12% rise in on-time graduation among participating students.
Challenges remain
Despite the positive trends, district officials said attendance remains a major concern. About 68% of students meet the state definition of a regular attender, meaning they attend at least 90% of school days, while 32% are considered chronically absent.
Leaders said improving attendance is critical because it directly impacts reading proficiency, academic performance and graduation outcomes.
They also noted a recent dip in third-grade English language arts scores, which they attributed in part to the rollout of a new curriculum — a change they said often results in short-term declines before improvement.
Looking ahead
As the school year moves into its final months, officials pointed to upcoming milestones, including scholarship awards and graduation ceremonies.
They also highlighted student achievements, including multiple recipients of prestigious college scholarships and growing participation in new activities such as boys volleyball and girls flag football.
District leaders said continued progress will depend on strong partnerships with families and the broader community, emphasizing that student success extends beyond the classroom.
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