The head of Chicago Public Schools says this school year will mark the district's highest-ever graduation rate.
CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard says this year's graduation rate is projected at 60.6 percent. CPS cites increased graduation rates over the past five years. Brizard calls it "impressive," but says more work needs to be done to make sure every CPS student graduates and is ready for college or a career.
Brizard singled out schools for individual graduation rate growth. One school was Phoenix Military Academy, where the graduation rate went from 42 percent in 2007 and 2008 to nearly 75 percent in 2010 and 2011.
There are about 405,000 CPS students who attend more than 675 schools. It's the third-largest school system in the U.S.
The news comes at a time when CPS is in contentious contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union.
CPS Graduation Rate Rises To 60.6 Percent
CPS graduation rate is at its highest ever, schools chief says
Copyright The Associated Press
