SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico education officials say the rate of high school students who are earning diplomas is the highest it has ever been.
Gov. Susana Martinez, who is wrapping up her second and final term, announced Friday that the 2018 class marked the highest graduation rate in the state's history at 73 percent.
While that's still below the national average, state officials say this year's numbers mark a 10 percent increase since 2011.
Martinez said New Mexico students have made improvements even as the state has raised academic standards and graduation requirements. The Republican says they're better prepared to enter the workforce and college.
Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham and fellow Democratic lawmakers have vowed to reform the state's education system in 2019.
Officials say final and complete graduation rate data will be published in February.