SPRINGFIELD -- The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has released its 2017 graduation and drop-out data, and Springfield Public Schools continue to see improvement.

The district's graduation rate rose 8.1 percentage points in one year, going from 68.8 percent to 76.9 percent.

"The gains we have made are absolutely astonishing," Superintendent of Schools Daniel Warwick said in a prepared statement. "Year after year, the trend continues to move in the right direction. The data is a testament to the fortitude, determination and dedication of our students and staff. I'm so proud that we continue to make significant progress."

Officials said the graduation rate has now increased 20.3 percentage points since 2012. Comparatively, the state saw an increase of 3.6 points in the graduation rate during that time.

Some highlights of the report:

gains for English Language Learners, who were graduating at a rate of 34.8 percent in 2012, increased from 57.9 percent in 2016 to 63.8 in 2017;

low income student graduation rates went from 68.1 percent in 2016 to 76.9 percent in 2017;

graduation rates for African-American/black students went from 72.9 percent to 85 percent;

Asian students increased from 85.4 percent to 92 percent;

Hispanic/Latino students went from 65.4 percent to 72.1 percent;

white students went from 75.5 percent to 82.6 percent.

The dropout rate saw a small increase from 4.9 percent in 2016 to 5.1 percent in 2017, but the district's dropout rate has been cut in half since 2012.

"We have found there is no magic trick when it comes to addressing graduation and dropout statistics," Warwick said. "It boils down to steadfast commitment, extreme focus and continued belief in our students by faculty and staff."

Warwick cited everything from online credit recovery courses, the addition of graduation coaches, ninth and 10th grade academies and a ninth grade transition course at every high school, as well offering free night and summer school courses, as contributing factors in the district's graduation rate success.

"We have formulated a plan that works, and we continue to work on that plan day in and day out, year in and year out," he said.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said the gains reflect a staff of hardworking educators and a community of determined students and families.

"We should all take pride in the accomplishments of our students, teachers and families and realize that these kinds of gains don't happen on their own," Sarno said in a prepared statement. "It takes a concerted effort, total commitment and unwavering belief in our students."