Michigan high school graduation rate up

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - State Education officials say just over three out of four Michigan high school seniors graduated on time last year and fewer dropped out.

The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press are reporting Wednesday that the 2012 graduation rate was 76.2 percent. The year before it was 74.3 percent.

Students in the 2011 graduating class were the first to follow more stringent math and science requirements to receive their diplomas.

State Education Superintendent Mike Flanagan says last year's higher graduation rate reflects how teachers and students are succeeding with the tougher curriculum.

The dropout rate for last year's class was 10.7 percent, down from just over 11 percent in 2011 and 2010.

Detroit Public Schools 2012 graduation rate rose to 64.7 percent from 59.7 percent. Its dropout rate was 19.3 percent.