High school graduation rate increases at Cedar Falls High School - KWWL.com

The Iowa Department of Education announced this week that Iowa's graduation rate climbed to more than 89%, the highest high school graduation rate in the nation.

The department reported that 89.26% of Iowa's class of 2012 graduated, and that graduation rates increased in 172 of Iowa's 318 high school districts.

"We are pleased with the increase of the 4-year cohort graduation rate from 93.9% for the graduating class of 2011 to 95.9% for the class of 2012.  Coupled with our lowest dropout rate in 20 years, this data truly reflects the efforts our staff and parents are making in identifying potential at-risk and drop-out students early and addressing their needs," said Director of Secondary Education at Cedar Falls Schools Dan Conrad.

Conrad said staff at Cedar Falls High School provide students with additional time and academic support early in the learning process so students are able to succeed.

"Involving parents in the process is also a key component to ensuring that students understand that the focus on their academic success doesn't stop when the school day ends," he said.

The full report from the Department of Education can be found here.