May 24, 2011

 

AUSTIN – The Texas high school on-time graduation rate for the Class of 2010 soared to 84.3 percent, the highest rate posted during the TAKS-testing era and an increase of 3.7 percentage points over the previous year.

Each of the state’s four major ethnic groups showed strong gains. Rates for African-American and Hispanic students increased five percentage points or more over the past year.

Graduation rates for African-American students rose from 73.8 percent for the Class of 2009 to 78.8 percent for the Class of 2010. Hispanic students’ graduation rates were 73.5 percent in 2009, climbing to 78.8 percent for the Class of 2010.

Graduation rates for white and Asian students surpassed the 90 percent mark with the rate for white students at 91.6 percent while Asian/Pacific Islander students earned the highest rate at 93.8 percent.
“Texas continues to see improvements in public education as we work to strengthen accountability and raise standards in our schools,” said Gov. Rick Perry. “I am incredibly proud of this recent achievement, a true testament to the excellent educators that we have in our classrooms and the principled leadership that guides our state. I am confident we will continue to see remarkable progress in our schools that will sustain our educated workforce and build a stronger, more prosperous Texas.”

“Our students are staying in school, accepting the challenge and meeting high achievement goals. It’s clear that our dedicated educators are providing students a strong foundation on which to build their future. We will continue to provide the tools necessary to maintain this outstanding progress,” said Commissioner of Education Robert Scott.

Graduation rates for local districts and schools will be available in late July.


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