CPS graduation rate on-track to reach 82 percent in 2014, Emanuel says

April 24, 2014 (CHICAGO) -- An estimated 82 percent of CPS high school students participating in the district's "on-track" program are set to graduate this year, an increase of 25 percent since 2007, according to a new study from the University of Chicago.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett will announce the new numbers Thursday morning. The Mayor's Office said in a statement that the increasing graduation rate is a result of the district's new strategy to target ninth graders who are in danger of failing their classes and get them back on track...