Graduation rates have increased, according to the Institute of Education Sciences. The four-year graduation rate in the United States increased from 79 percent in 2010-2011 school year to 80 percent during the 2011-12 school year--a historical high, according to Education Week.

Minority students, students in special education programs, disadvantaged students and English-language learners are also making gains overall, said the article, when it comes to graduating on time. The article, points out, however, that student achievement gaps remain.

Arne Duncan, education secretary, addressed this issue at Grad Nation on April 28, 2014. The event in Washington is put together by Civic Enterprises, the Everyone Graduates Center, America's Promise Alliance and the Alliance for Excellent Education. 

"As a country, we owe a debt of graditude to the teachers, students and families whose hard work has helped us reach an 80-percent high-school graduation rate," he said. "But even as we celebrate this remarkable achievement, our students have limitless potential, and we owe it to all of our children to work together so they all can achieve at higher levels."

To read more about graduation rates and grab more statistics, click here.

Article by Kassondra Granata, EducationWorld Contributor