Last month, the Nevada Department of Education released its statewide graduation rates for 2014. For the fourth year, Nevada has calculated its graduation rate using a formula called an adjusted cohort graduation rate that is required by the U.S. Department of Education for all 50 states.

Mineral County’s graduation rates climbed over 10 percent from last year to a rate of 72.41 percent, which is consistent with the state average. This improvement in Mineral County’s graduation rates is one of the best in the state this year.

Using the adjusted percentage rate in accordance with the Department of Education, the percent decreases to 64.71. For the 2012-2013 and 2011-2012 school years, the Four-Year Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rates were 51.52 percent and 62.27 percent, respectively.

Overall, Nevada’s graduation rates held steady at 70 percent with urban counties largely maintaining their graduation rates at between 70-72 percent. Storey County had the highest graduation in the state with 93 percent.

Reporting school districts “work closely with district staff to ensure graduation rates are valid, accurate, and agreed upon.”

On a national scope, Nevada ranks fairly low compared to the national average using the standard national formula. However, despite goals of uniformity, states still vary widely in their graduation requirements and award high school diplomas dependent on different criteria. This variation among state requirements could affect the calculation of graduation rates state to state.e