NC Praised for Growth in Graduation Rates
On March 19, 2012, the News and Observer reported that North Carolina is among a handful of states responsible for the majority of growth in high school graduation rates over the past decade, according to a report scheduled to be released next week in Washington.
The graduation rate in North Carolina rose from 68.2 percent in 2002 to 75.1 percent in 2009 the N & O reporters. While many factors contribute to our state’s progress, it is worth noting that many 2009 graduates were among the first to experience Smart Start. Research shows that early childhood education is one factor that can increase high school graduation rates. The National Dropout Prevention Center includes early childhood education as a dropout prevention strategy.
