The baseline data is reflective of the new form of measurement used for dropout determinations. It is different than the data outlined in the historical data which is based on the old measurement format. Note that we indicate that the baseline dropout rate is 25.81% for FFY2018. However, the Data Table shows the FFY2018 drop-out rate to be 25.75%. The reason for the discrepancy is that the USBE re-calculated the FFY2018 rate to be based on EdFacts File FS009 AND did not include "deceased" in the denominator based on the new method for calculating dropout rate in order to use the same calculation methodology that is used for the FFY2020 dropout rate. During Utah's APR Summit, a review of baselines for Indicator 2 was conducted to determine if baselines should remain or be updated to correlate with changing targets. Consideration was given for the impacts of COVID-19 and changes in measurement. Stakeholders reviewed historical data based on the new measurement and projections for where the State would be in 2025 - 2026 if all things stayed the same. Choosing a baseline from a year prior to COVID-19 reflects Utah student abilities in a typical school year and was determined to be appropriate. The USBE reported a baseline of 25.80% for FFY2018 in the narrative regarding stakeholder input in its February 2022 SPP/APR submission. After a review of the new calculation to match the requirements in EdFacts File FS009, it was determined the correct baseline is 25.81%. The baseline data, targets for 2020 and 2021, and the stakeholder input narrative have been updated accordingly. Starting March 16, 2020, Utah schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Without adequate time to prepare for all students to participate in distance learning, a lot of LEAs reported substantial numbers of students with whom they were unable to engage. The USBE advised LEAs that rather than strictly adhering to the continuing enrollment "10 day rule," (https://www.schools.utah.gov/File/1180ed7b-6998-4e12-b1f7-4a8600433183), whereby students with 10 consecutive unexcused absences should be dropped from active enrollment, they should keep students in enrollment and continue efforts to re- engage all students. Independent auditors' Agreed Upon Procedures (AUP) reports on the year -end student membership data included the footnote, 'Beginning March 16, 2020, the school implemented the state mandated soft closure of schools in response to COVID -19; therefore, no procedures on continuing enrollment measurement have been performed after this date.' Th e impact of this change in practice on data included lower than expected mobility and chronic absence rates (based on trend data), higher than expected attendance and average daily membership rates, and decreases in the numbers of students reported as dropout exiters during the period from March 16 through the end of the 2019 - 2020 school year. With fewer students reported as dropouts in the 2019 - 2020 exiter data, the Indicator 1 graduation rate may be slightly inflated and the Indicator 2 dropout rate may be slightly under-reported.

### 2 - Prior FFY Required Actions

None

### 2 - OSEP Response

The State has revised the baseline for this indicator, using data from FFY 2018, and OSEP accepts that revision. The State provided targets for FFYs 2020 through 2025 for this indicator, and OSEP accepts those targets.

### 2 - Required Actions