Graduation Rate Improves Slightly to Record High
December 10 2001
The high school graduation rate for students in the United States rose
slightly to a record 86.5 percent last year according to a report by the
Department of Education. Hispanic, African American and low-income students
lagged behind whites and the wealthy. Education Secretary Rod Paige said
rates had not risen in proportion to the billions of dollars spent on
schools since the 1970s. According to Paige, we have not made enough
progress in recent years to improve access to quality education and that
comprehensive change is needed. Nationwide, minority students' completion
rates have risen, but lagged behind that of white students. The rate for
African American students was 83.7 percent. Hispanic students had a 64.1
percent completion rate.
slightly to a record 86.5 percent last year according to a report by the
Department of Education. Hispanic, African American and low-income students
lagged behind whites and the wealthy. Education Secretary Rod Paige said
rates had not risen in proportion to the billions of dollars spent on
schools since the 1970s. According to Paige, we have not made enough
progress in recent years to improve access to quality education and that
comprehensive change is needed. Nationwide, minority students' completion
rates have risen, but lagged behind that of white students. The rate for
African American students was 83.7 percent. Hispanic students had a 64.1
percent completion rate.
