R.I. high school graduation rates up slightly

PROVIDENCE—Rhode Island high-schoolers graduated last year at a slightly higher rate than the year before, according to information released Friday by the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

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The percentage of students who graduated in four years was about 74 percent in 2008, an increase of 3.5 percentage points from 2007.

But while urban schools also improved, just 61 percent of students in those districts graduated in four years.

“Although the graduation rates in our urban districts are still too low, I am pleased to see the overall improvement,“ Gov. Don Carcieri said in a statement Friday.

Last year’s class was the first to have to meet stricter requirements - including tougher testing, classes and special projects - in order to graduate.

The data also showed girls in Rhode Island graduated at a higher rate than boys - 79 percent compared with 69 percent.

Graduation rates for low-income boys in particular were low and needed to be addressed, Carcieri said. Rates for students with disabilities, poor students and some minorities were well below average.