The Kern High School District’s graduation rate is on the rise, settling at just over 84 percent in 2013-2014.

Vickie Spanos is the director of instruction for the district and says the jump from 80 percent during the prior school year can be attributed to students getting used to common core, better data about curriculum effectiveness, and good work by staff.

The district outpaced the state graduation rate, which was at just under 81 percent during the same time period.

– Anthony Pollreisz