Data released by the National Center for Education Statistics, among other organizations, suggest that the outlook for high schools has been improving. For example, federal data indicate that high school graduation rates are among the highest since the 1969-70 school year, while the dropout rate has fallen to 3.4 percent, from 6.1 percent in 1972. In addition, more students are taking academically challenging classes, including Advanced Placement courses, and doing well in them.
