Report says Texas Hispanic students falling behind

Only 68 percent graduate high school in four years

(AP) - The state's Hispanic students are falling behind educationally, with high school graduation rates lower than average and college enrollment less than that of black and white students, the Houston Chronicle reported Sunday.

Raymund Paredes, higher education commissioner for Texas, said the numbers have to improve to ensure the state has a well-educated workforce.

"The Hispanic community is key to the economic future of Texas," he said.Some facts about Hispanics and education:

• Only 68 percent of Hispanic students graduate from high school within four years, 10 points below the overall rate.

• In 2007, 42.5 percent of those who graduated enrolled in college or technical training the following fall, while 45.3 percent of black students and 57.5 percent of white students went on to higher education.

• Since a new statewide program to increase college enrollment began in 2000, the rate of all students going on to higher education has edged up to 5.3 percent from 5 percent overall. For Hispanics, the rate is 3.9 percent, up from 3.7 percent.