STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION DATA RELEASED TODAY

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 6, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following the release of positive data released today by the Maryland Department of Education, which show a rise in Maryland’s graduation rate and a decline in drop outs among high school students:

“I want to congratulate the students, parents, and educators in Maryland for another year of graduation increases and declines in Maryland’s drop out rate. Despite demanding further requirements for our students to obtain a diploma, Maryland’s students showed for a second straight year, setting the bar a little higher only motivated them more and did not serve as an impediment to graduating.

“Maryland’s public schools remain number one in the nation not by chance, but by choice – by the tough choices we’ve made together, as One Maryland, to make record investments in our schools even in tough times. Together, we’re building state-of-the-art classrooms, integrating our curricula across the board, and preparing our students for higher education and the jobs of tomorrow right here in Maryland.”

Maryland’s graduation rate improved from 85.2 percent in 2009 to 86.6 percent this year. The dropout rate for Maryland high school seniors fell 0.3 percent from 2009 and more than a full percentage point since 2008, when it stood at 3.4 percent.

Graduation rates improved for all racial subgroups. Hispanic graduates led the way, jumping more than two points, followed by the rate by African American students, which increased just less than two points.