Students rely on college-track programs to make it to graduation day

AUSTIN (KXAN) — In school, teachers typically talk about preparing for the next step. No matter what level, the adult figures in school districts across the country tend to lead the way for students, pointing them toward higher education.
Data compiled by the Texas Tribune tracked the graduation rates of eighth graders from 1997-2005.
The Tribune reported that approximately 300,000 eighth graders enroll in Texas public schools each year. Of the students who began eighth grade in 2005,