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Education
Indian high school students in Arizona make gains


Indian high school students in Arizona are staying in school, graduating and getting ready to go to college at record rates.

From 2000 to 2004, the Indian graduation rate grew 13 percentage points to 63 percent. While still below the statewide average of 77 percent, it marks a big improvement from below 50 percent levels some schools saw.

At Marcos de Niza High School, where most of the Indian students are from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the graduation rate is 80 percent, up from 39 percent for boys and 82 percent for girls a few years ago.

Members of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation saw their graduation rates rise to nearly 80 percent, up from around 40 percent before 2003. The improvement came after the tribe instituted a policy to fine parents for students who skip school or turn up late.

Get the Story:
Indian graduation rates better (The Arizona Republic 7/9)

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