Maine HS graduation rates rose to 16th in nation

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AUGUSTA - Maine's Class of 2008 had the 16th highest graduation rate in the nation, according to a report Education Week released on Tuesday. Maine's rate, as calculated by Education Week, was 76.5 percent, compared to a national average of 71.7 percent.

ON THE RISE, STILL HIGHER TO GO - Maine's high school graduation rate rose to 16th in the nation.

"It's good news, but it also points out how far we have to go," said Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen. "We're still fifth among the six New England states, and our rate of increase, while good, is slower than the national average."

Maine's rate increased by 4.9 percentage points in 10 years; the national increase was 6.1 percentage points.

Last year, Maine moved to a new common method for calculating the graduation rate that, as of this year, is shared by all 50 states. Comparisons among states will be even more accurate starting next year.

The news came on the same day that Bowen awarded the Maine State Diploma to six students who completed their education after disruptions that made it impossible to receive a diploma from any high school they attended in the past.

"It's an example of how we need to reach every child and find a path that works for him or her to complete their education," Bowen said. "That means relevant learning, high expectations, and giving students more control over their educational path. When they are involved and have a stake in it, they are more likely to succeed."