East Texas high schools’ graduation rates at top of class

If you think Texas’ ranking of third-highest high school graduation rate in the nation is something to crow about, look closer. East Texas schools’ graduation rates are even higher than the state average.

All Gregg County schools and Hallsville ISD boasted graduation rates among the Class of 2011 that exceeded the state’s average of 86 percent of all students graduating that year. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Texas had the third-highest graduation rate for all students, tying with Tennessee, New Hampshire, Indiana, Nebraska and North Dakota.

Iowa, Vermont and Wisconsin exceed Texas by one to two percentage points, according to data provided by the federal department.

“The (state-mandated) test given here in Texas is a lot more rigorous than I believe it is in other states. This is a testament to the public education that students are receiving in Texas,” said Kilgore ISD interim Superintendent Dennis Williams, whose high school saw 91.3 percent of its students graduate in 2011. “Sometimes when you look at the accountability system and other factors, it’s hard to see the trees for the forest. There are some good things that are happening in Texas public education. This is affirmation that we are providing a good, solid education.”
 

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