Graduation Rate Up...Slightly

The on-time graduation rate for Oregon high schools rose 1 percentage point in 2011 compared with the previous year to 67 percent.

The figures being released Friday show that 1 out of 3 students in last year's class dropped out — more than 11,000 people.

Gov. John Kitzhaber calls the rate unacceptable and wants the Legislature to require every school board to spell out how fast it aims to raise its graduation rate.

Portland schools have one of the worst graduation rates in the state at 59 percent.


High school dropouts are more likely to be unemployed, and those with jobs typically earn far less than graduates.