Department of Education shows improvement in Native graduation rates

WASHINGTON – According to data released earlier this month by the U.S. Department of Education shows positive signs for American Indian high school graduation rates. Among other racial and ethnic groups, Native American graduation rates were among the highest increases for data that covered a two-year period.

Between 2010 and 2011 and 2012 and 2013, the graduations rates for Native students increased by 4.7 percent.

The nation’s high school graduation rate hit 81 percent in 2012-13, the highest level in the nation’s history. Since 2010, states, districts and schools have been using a new, common metric, the adjusted cohort graduation rate, to promote greater accountability and develop strategies that will help reduce dropout rates and increase graduation rates in schools nationwide. The new data reflect that more accurate measure.

“The hard work of America’s educators, families, communities and students is paying off,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “This is a vital step toward readiness for success in college and careers for every student in this country. While these gains are promising, we know that we have a long way to go in improving educational opportunities for every student, no matter their zip code, for the sake of our young people and our nation’s economic strength.”