City?s graduation rate flat for Class of 2011; Just 21% leave high school on time and prepared for college

For the first time in more than five years, the city?s graduation rate remained flat, with 61% of students graduating from high school on time.

At the same time, just over 1 in 5 of the city?s Class of 2011 were considered prepared for college by last June, state figures released Monday show.

State officials trumpeted the increase in graduation rates statewide, but warned that further improvements are needed.

?Too many of those students who do graduate aren't ready for college and careers,? said state Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch.

"These numbers make clear that we need to continue to pursue aggressive reforms in our schools including a new, richer curriculum and implementation of the new teacher evaluation law in districts across the state."

City officials ignored the bad news, trumpeting the increase in the graduation rate for students who completed high school by August of last year.

?The Class of 2011 can smile again today as we recognize their accomplishments and wish them luck in college and careers,? said Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott.

?We must do everything we can keep our progress going, and that means continuing to create new schools and improve the quality of teaching in our classrooms.?

rmonahan@nydailynews.com

academy awards 2012 nominations academy awards independent spirit awards 2012 jan brewer independent spirit awards 2012 oscar predictions jim jones