PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The on-time graduation rate for Oregon high schools rose by a percentage point in 2011 compared with the previous year, reaching 67 percent.
The figures from the state Department of Education mean that 1 out of 3 students who started high school in 2007 didn’t graduate in four years. Many of those who don’t graduate on time are dropouts who don’t get degrees. Some get alternate degrees such as a GED certificate.
Gov. John Kitzhaber calls the rate unacceptable and wants the Legislature to require school boards to spell out how fast they aim to raise their graduation rates.
The Oregonian reports (http://is.gd/mPFYy5) Portland schools have one of the worst graduation rates in the state at 59 percent.
