I’ve been running a little survey today, very impromptu, about when the US had its largest high school graduation rate. Years to select from start at the 1969-70 school year and run to 2008-09.

So far, no-one has answered correctly.

This graph, which I developed from data presented by the National Center for Education Statistics in Table 111 in the recently released “Digest of Education Statistics 2011” tells the tale (click on the graph to enlarge, if necessary).

You can see how many younger adults today, who simply don’t recall anything much farther back than the late 1990s, are confused and misinformed.

Also note there have been several up and down cycles in the rates over time. At least the current trend is in the right direction, but it still has a way to go just to match 1969-70.

This graph provides one reason why all us more “seasoned” folks who were around way back in the 1960s are concerned about today’s education system. We know it really was better way back when. Now, you know it, too.