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Kentucky Recognized for Closing Achievement Gap in Highschool Graduation Rates

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Kentucky is being recognized for having one of the highest graduation rates in the country among low-income students. The commonwealth has been named a national leader in closing what's known as the achievement gap.

A report by Johns Hopkins University says despite high rates of poverty, Kentucky has made “steady and sustained progress” over the past 25 years to decrease the graduation gap that often exists between low-income students and their more affluent peers.

The state has taken its graduation rate from 71 percent in 2003 to 88 percent last year. Education Commissioner Stephen Pruitt says he’s glad to see Kentucky recognized for its progress. But he adds the state still has a long way to go in closing achievement gaps and making sure all students graduate prepared for higher education. While it still trails the graduation rate, Kentucky’s college and career readiness rate has also increased in recent years and stands at nearly 67 percent.

 

Lisa is a Scottsville native and WKU alum. She has worked in radio as a news reporter and anchor for 18 years. Prior to joining WKU Public Radio, she most recently worked at WHAS in Louisville and WLAC in Nashville. She has received numerous awards from the Associated Press, including Best Reporter in Kentucky. Many of her stories have been heard on NPR.
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