Colorado’s graduation rate and dropout rate declined around the state — bad news and good from the Colorado Department of Education.
The statewide graduation rate for the class of 2008 — the latest figures available — decreased by 1.1 percentage points to 73.9 percent. That was lower than the 75 percent in 2007, and 74.1 percent in 2006.
The grad rate tracks students from ninth grade through 12th grade and is adjusted for the students who are verified to be transfers.
“While we are disappointed that the progress made last year in terms of the graduation rate has not continued, we are pleased to see a significant decrease in the dropout rate this year — with over 2,500 fewer dropouts,” said Education Commissioner Dwight Jones.
The dropout rate improved to 3.8 percent, from 4.4 percent in 2006-07.
