Fewer Alabamians are graduating from high school than previously thought, according to a new formula for calculating graduation rates.

The Montgomery Advertiser reported that state officials say about 72 percent of Alabama high school students are graduating. That rate was previously thought to be at more than 87
percent under the old methodology.

State officials say the new formula for calculating graduation rates is believed to be more accurate.

Assistant State Superintendent Melinda Maddox says the new numbers are more exact, but cannot be compared accurately to the old figures.

Maddox says the Alabama Department of Education is tasked with making sure every graduate is job-and-career ready. She says the department will work with school systems to understand the new
data.