Sep

2012 12







An interesting, though dated map is making its way around the web that shows graduation rates across the country versus state “Right-to-Work” status. The graphic likely resurfaced, despite showing information from 2002-2003, because of the Chicago Teachers Union strike and the ongoing assault on public education. Even though the Right-to-Work image (below) was obviously created by an anti-union outfit (notice the use of the term “forced unionism state”), it still shows something quite pro-union when placed next to the graduation rate graphic (above).

Tennessee (“Right-to-Work”) and Kentucky (not “Right-to-Work”) border each other geographically and have very similar socio-economic demographics. Yet, Kentucky does a much better job of graduating its high school students. The data here speaks for itself, with a clear-cut patten of low graduation rates in “Right-to-Work” states. To be sure, “Right-to-Work” status isn’t the only factor in this graduation disparity, but it is obviously an important one.