re: Thank God for ...

Unfortunately, the data is a little misleading. The graduation rate has changed after the state standards for a "diploma" were changed. Prior to last year, if you had not passed the Graduation Exit Exam, you received a certificate of attendance or completion, not a diploma. Now, if you pass 3 out of the 5 sections of the GEE, you get a Diploma. Hence, graduation rates are up.

I think it was Twain that said "There are lies, damn lies and statistics."