Statewide graduation rates are steadily increasing overall but still remain low, especially for English language learners and students with disabilities, according to data released today at the Board of Regents meeting.

The percentage of students who began ninth grade in 2004 and graduated in June 2008 was 70.9 percent, compared to 65.8 percent in 2001. By August 2008, 73.6 percent of the 2004 cohort graduated. The Regents discussed two troubling statistics: only 41.5 percent of students with disabilities and 35.7 percent of English language learners graduated in four years.

In light of the new data, the Regents also discussed the impact of the planned phaseout of the local diploma for students. (In June 2008, 16 percent of students received a local diploma instead of a Regents diploma.)

• For more information: State Education Department press release, the commissioner's power point presentation and further graduation rate data