Austin, TX— Graduation rates for Austin Independent School District's class of 2011 have increased to 80 percent, according to the Texas Education Agency's recently released report on graduation and completion rates.

"I am proud of our students, teachers and principals, who are working hard to continue to raise graduation rates for all students and remain committed to our goals," AISD Superintendent Meria Carstarphen said. "Higher graduation rates are critical to the success of our students, district and to the future of our local economy."

Since 2008, graduation rates among AISD's high school seniors have risen steadily from 74.3 to 80 percent. Each year, the TEA reports graduation rates for the previous school year. Information for the past five years is included in the chart.

Graduation Rate Changes from 2010 to 2011 by Student Populations

All students—The graduation rate for all students increased by slightly more than one percentage point, from 78.6 to 80 percent.

African-American students—The graduation rate for African-American students increased by 2.5 percentage points, from 71 to 74 percent.

Hispanic students—The graduation rate for Hispanic students increased by slightly more than two percentage points, from 72 to 75 percent.

Economically disadvantaged students—The graduation rates for students from economically disadvantaged communities increased by four percentage points,
from 73 to 77 percent.

English language learners—The graduation rates for English language learners increased by slightly more than four percentage points, from 56 to 60 percent.

Special education students—The graduation rates for special education students decreased slightly, from 61 to 60 percent.

White students—The graduation rates for white students remained relatively steady, going from 89.8 to 89.6 percent.

The U.S. Department of Education uses data such as graduation rates to determine whether the district and its campuses are meeting the federal Adequate Yearly Progress requirements under the No Child Left Behind act. Beginning this year, the DOE requires all student groups to be evaluated under the NCLB law, which requires all student groups must meet the AYP graduation rate standard, which is 75 percent, or the required improvement target of one percent.