Kentucky Shows Improvement in High School Graduation Rates

Kentucky is among a dozen states that have made significant gains in high school graduation rates, according to the 2012 Building a Grad Nation report released Monday.The report shows between 2002 and 2009 the Commonwealth's graduation rate increased from 69.2 to 77.6 percent. This accounts for an additional 4,205 students graduating. The national graduation rate increased by 3.5  points between the same time from 72 percent to 75.5 percent.However, Kentucky remains towards the bottom (41st) in college completion at 24.7 percent and is ranked 11th in child poverty at 25 percent.Other states that saw significant gains were Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.The reports was sponsored by America's Promise Alliance which is a children's advocacy organization founded by former Secretary of State Colin Powell.Map Key, percentage rate increase in high school graduation:Dark Green: 7+ Green: 3.0-6.9 Light Green: 2.7-2.9 Light Brown: 0-2.6Orange: Declines