(WXIA) -- The number of students receiving diplomas is on a steady rise, as it jumped for a second time using a new formula.

For 2013, Matt Cardoza of the Georgia Department of Education reported, the graduation rate marked 67.4 percent in 2011, followed by 69.7 percent in 2012.  The new way to figure the graduation rate is based on the adjusted cohort rate, which is required by the U.S. Department of Education. 

The four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate defines the cohort based on when a student becomes a freshman, Cardoza said. The calculation takes the number of students who graduate within four years and includes adjustments for student transfers. 

"I am very pleased that our graduation rate continues to increase, no matter how it is calculated," State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge said. "While our graduation rate is still far too low and we have much progress to be made, we are moving in the right direction."

CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. -- Two talented seniors at two Carroll County high schools have signed scholarships to play college basketball.

Whitney McClure, who attends Bowdon High School, will play for West Georgia Technical College.

"Whitney is a dynamic player. She was able to be very successful in her career here at Bowdon in a position that requires toughness but, more than anything, unselfishness," Bowdon High assistant basketball coach Marci Brown said in a statement. "She was able to earn the players' and coaches' trust. Without that, your team is left vulnerable. She accepted that role and thus we had a Sweet Sixteen appearance this year. She is much grounded, and her ability to keep the game in perspective will be an asset at the next level."

Villa Rica High School student Rhianna Warren will play for Savannah State University in the fall.

CARROLLTON, Ga. -- University of West Georgia in-state students will pay an increase of $61 per semester beginning next fall under a budget plan approved Tuesday by the state Board of Regents.

The 2.5 percent tuitio..... Read More