npr

The national graduation rate is at an all-time high — 81 percent. It was such big news, President Obama touted it in this year’s State of the Union address.

That got us thinking: What’s the story behind that 81 percent?

Working with a team of reporters in 14 states, we set off to find out.

Turns out, it’s a complicated number. Some states are doing good things to boost their rates, others, it’s not so clear.

Part one: The Truth About America’s Graduation Rate

Part two: The Truth Behind Your State’s High School Grad Rate