Recalculating Graduation Rates

The following article was in the Newark Star Ledger today: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/09/newark_to_lead_state_in_adopti.html

Check it out. It is about using a new, consistent formula for calculating graduation rates throughout the state of New Jersey and even the country. Each state is adopting these on their own schedule and some states are not even committed to adopting yet which I find not right. The federal government, in conjunction with NCLB, should demand that all states adopt it at the same time so there can be an apples to apples comparison of graduation rates. I am glad to see that NJ will adopt it and fear it may be a rude awakening to the accurate graduation rates in many of NJ's districts. The plus side, however, will be that the shocking accuracy of some of the numbers may be the catalyst to changing the way some things are done as they reveal problems that are unknown or are swept under the carpet. What do you think?