Building a Grad Nation: Progress and Challenge in Ending the High School Dropout Epidemic

America is finally confronting its high school dropout challenge. Some schools and communities across the United States have seen significant increases in high school graduation rates in recent years and have put in place the innovative schools, whole school reforms, early warning and intervention systems, and student supports that help keep more students on track. Their progress should serve as a challenge to our communities, states, and nation.

This report takes a critical look at the efforts that have heralded improvements in graduation rates, and those that have failed to do so, in our communities. While the results of the past decade have been mixed, with progress in some areas, and limited improvement in others, these efforts have laid the groundwork for more rapid and systemic progress in the next decade.