Nevada graduation rates remain among nation’s lowest

CARSON CITY - Nevada's high school graduation rates remain among the lowest in the nation.

Preliminary findings released this week by the U.S. Department of Education put Nevada's graduation rate at 62 percent for the 2010-2011 academic year. Only the District of Columbia and Bureau of Indian Education came in lower, with graduation rates of 59 percent and 61 percent, respectively.

The federal agency says this is the first year states used a common method to calculate how many high school students graduate.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan says the new measure will give states, parents and educators a more honest assessment on progress in their schools and help target where more work is needed.

The agency says Tuesday's report is preliminary and based on data reported by states. A final report will follow.