WASHINGTON, DC. (AP/WMOT) -- Tennessee is improving its high-school graduation rate faster than any state but Texas, according to a new report.
The report is being presented today in Washington at the Grad Nation Summit organized by the children's advocacy group America's Promise Alliance (APA). The group was founded by former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
From 2001 to 2009, graduation rates increased in the United States by three-and-a-half percentage points. Over the same period, Tennessee’s graduation rate increased by about 16 percent.
The most significant gains were in 12 states, led by New York and Tennessee. Ten states saw a decline.
The national graduation rate in 2009 was 75 percent. That means that one in four students is not getting a diploma in four years. Tennessee says its graduation rate in 2009 was about 83% of students.
The goal of APA is a 90 percent graduation rate by 2020. Only Wisconsin has met that benchmark, although Vermont is close second.