A report released Monday by the U.S. Department of Education shows the high school graduation gap is closing for minority students. The national graduation rate also increased, but the study is not favorable for Arizona.
The study shows that in two years, graduation rates for black, Hispanic and American Indian high school students increased by nearly 4 percent. The national graduation rate hit 81 percent in school year 2012 – 2013. Arizona is one of four states where the graduation rate dropped. It declined from 78 percent in 2011 to 75 percent in 2013. Arizona is also one of two states with a downward trend. Arizona Education Association President Andrew Morrill.
“These numbers provide a bit of a mirror that is a reflection of very poor policy decision that has been made," Morrill said.
Three of Arizona’s neighbors — New Mexico, Nevada and Utah — were among the states with the greatest improvements in high school graduation rates.
