TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Diplomas Count 2015 by Education Week shows Florida's graduation rate increased from 71 percent in 2011 to 76 percent in 2013.
That means the state outpaced the nation in high school graduation rate increases, with an increase of five percentage points between 2011 and 2013 compared to only two percentage points nationwide over the same time period.
Florida does, however, have a lower graduation rate than the national rate of 81 percent.
Florida's Education Commissioner Pam Stewart used the report to ask the Florida Legislature to approve per-pupil funding in the state.
“This report is evidence that our hard work is paying off and Florida has made great strides in preparing our state’s students for success in college, career and life. I commend the teachers, principals, and students for their dedication to academic success, and we cannot let up.” said Education Commissioner Pam Stewart. “We must remain on this positive track. I believe these results underscore the importance of the Florida Legislature making an investment of historic per-pupil funding to ensure we have the resources necessary to remain a national leader in education.”
The report also found that graduation rates for students with disabilities lag behind their peers. It says only 62 percent of students with disabilities graduate high school.
For more information about the report, visit http://www.edweek.org/ew/toc/2015/06/04/index.html.
