Media report on retention rates totally misleading

24/5/04
Year 12 retention rates at State Government schools have increased, not decreased as asserted by The West Australian newspaper, Education Minister Alan Carpenter said today.
In 2001, the retention rate was 60 per cent. In 2002 the retention rate was 62.6 per cent and 63 per cent in 2003.
"There has been no decline in retention rates - in fact, there has been an improvement," Mr Carpenter said.
"Students and parents should not be fooled into thinking State schools are letting down pupils.
"Year 12 retention rates are at their highest rate since 1996 when they were at 58.2 per cent.
"WA is the leading State in the nation for the number of 19-year-olds who have completed year 12 or have obtained a post school certificate."
Mr Carpenter said WA's participation rate amongst 15-19 year olds was 91 per cent. This meant nine in every 10 young Western Australians was either attending school, enrolled in full time or part-time vocational education and training, at university or other training institutions, or at work.
"The number of young people aged between 15 and 19 in an apprenticeship or traineeship has jumped by 21 per cent from 9,186 in 2001 to 11,113 in 2004," the Minister said.
"Over a similar period, the number of these young Western Australians not in full-time education or full-time employment has dropped from 19 per cent to 17 per cent.
"The news for 15 to 17 year-olds is even better. Since the amalgamation of the Departments of Education and Training in 2002, the number of 15 to 17 year-olds in apprenticeships and traineeships has increased by 47 per cent from 3,050 to 4,481.
"This clearly shows there is continued improvement in retention rates and that there are alternatives to engage our young people in on-going study or gainful employment.
"Despite the improvements we have overseen, more is needed to engage young people in employment and training.
"That is why the Gallop Government is firmly committed to increasing job and training opportunities for students and school leavers."
Minister's office: 9213 7000