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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama last year reached a record graduation rate, with nearly nine out of 10 students leaving high school with a diploma, the Alabama Department of Education said Thursday.
Superintendent Tommy Bice said that last school year, 89 percent of students graduated from high school on time. The rate is just shy of the department's goal of a 90 percent graduation rate by 2020.
"We attribute that to the innovation and flexibility that is happening in our school systems. They are doing everything and anything to make sure that kids stay in school and graduate," Bice said.
The state's graduation rate was as low as 72 percent in 2012, sparking the department to set improvement goals.
While it's important that students leave school with a diploma, Bice said it's more important to make sure that the diploma means they have gotten the knowledge and skills to prepare them.
Bice said preliminary data indicates 68 percent of students left school with a credential — measured through standardized test scores or vocational certificates — that indicates they are prepared for either college or a career.
He said the department is trying to raise that number.
Graduation rates are on the rise nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Education. In the 2013-14 school year, 82 percent of students nationwide graduated on time with a regular diploma. That year, Iowa, had the highest graduation rate of nearly 91 percent. The District of Columbia had the lowest rate, at 61 percent.
Alabama no longer requires high school students to take a graduation exam. However, Bice said that had little effect on boosting graduation rates because almost all students passed the test.
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley praised the achievement, saying it was a testament to hard-working teachers and school staff.
"Education is the future. It's the key to making Alabama better," Bentley said.
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