For the first time since all states have adopted a common, rigorous measure for four-year high school graduation rates, the U.S. Department of Education has released preliminary data on how states measured up for the 2010-2011 school year.
The graduation rates and data notes are available on the Department’s website.
Using the new measure, 26 states reported lower graduation rates and 24 states reported unchanged or increased rates for the 2010-2011 school year. However, the new graduation rates are not comparable to those of previous years since a new formula was used.
The top ranking states were:
- Iowa: 88 percent
- Vermont and Wisconsin: 87 percent
- Indiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas: 86 percent
The lowest ranking states were:
- New Mexico: 63 percent
- Nevada: 62 percent
- District of Columbia: 59 percent
The new graduation rates show state leaders’ willingness to create more uniformity and transparency in reporting these data. Additional information can be found at ED Data Express.
Kara Herbertson, Research and Policy Manager
Tags: Data, Graduation Rates