BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Alternative and online school administrators are scrambling to uncover the factors contributing to this year's low graduation rates.

The Idaho State Board of Education announced earlier this year that online school were the state's worst performers, with a graduation rate of 20 percent. Alternative schools had a 36 percent graduation rate.That number is a stark drop to Idaho's overall high school graduation rate of a much higher 77 percent.

Idaho Virtual Academy Head of School Kelly Edginton says the state needs to a new way to measure graduation rates. However, other schools like the Meridian Academy are implementing a new model of instruction.

The school is blending online, independent learning with small group instruction with teachers. School administrators say many students are starting their schools unprepared and behind in credits.

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