Iowa's high school graduation rate drops slightly
DES MOINES, Iowa—The Iowa Department of Education says the graduation rate for the state's class of 2011 dropped half a percentage point from the previous year.
The statewide rate in 2011 was 88.3 percent, down from 88.8 percent in 2010. Both years were above the 87.3 percent rate in 2009.
Education Department Director Jason Glass says Iowa has one of the nation's best graduation rates. Although the drop is small, Glass says Iowa must work to move the graduation rate higher.
The agency says the four-year graduation rate increased in 41 percent of Iowa's 328 school districts that have high schools and dropped in 54 percent. About 4 percent saw no change.
In the 10 largest districts, graduation rates rose in Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Iowa City, Sioux City and Waterloo.
