By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The latest figures released by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), reveal that America’s high school graduation rate noticeably improved, with 78.2% of public school graduates receiving a diploma in 2010, up from 75.5 in 2009.

NCES Commissioner Jack Buckley speculated that with fewer jobs in a tough economy, fewer students left school early. Asian/Pacific Islanders had the highest graduation rate, followed by whites, then Hispanics, American Indian/Alaskan Natives, with lowest for blacks. Latino students showed highest gains at 10%.

Pennsylvania’s high school graduation rate is 82.63%; New Jersey’s is 83.17% and Delaware’s is 78%. Students who take more than four years are not included nor are students with G.E.D. certificates.

Because of complaints about prior data showing inflated rates, a new method, Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate, is being used.
Read more in Education Week for information on the process.