By Eric Gemmell
CENTRAL TEXAS - A recent study from the Austin based group "Texas Care for Children" reports the Lone Star State ranks last in the nation when it comes to graduation rates.
Eileen Garcia-Matthews, Executive Director of the organization said by phone Wednesday, "It's not a bad report card on any given agency. It's not where Texans want it to be."
The 95 page report released earlier this week said that one out every three high school seniors may not graduate.
Garcia-Matthews said the group compiled its date directly from the U.S. Census which states, "one out of every three Texans over the age of 25 haven't graduated from high school."
"We think it's a valid thing to look at because its a condition of our state," she added.
The Texas Education Agency reports in 2006 nearly 89 percent of high school seniors in fact graduated.
Scott Milder, Director of the Dallas based group Texas Friends for Public Schools said during a phone interview the report, "Contradicts nearly one third of children dropping out of school - Texas state data."
So as far as the state of Texas schools?
According to data from TEA graduation rates for Texas schools some experts say the state of Texas schools are faring rather well.
"People spin the news and how our schools are doing to benefit what agenda they're promoting," said Milder.
He added, "Our teachers are not getting the credit they deserve for the work they're accomplishing."
Texan's Care for Children stand behind their study and hope the state legislature the report as a wake up call.
