New dropout data for California is out

and the results are very similar to those in Monterey County.

Seven out of ten Monterey County high school students who started as freshman in 2006 graduated by 2010, according to a new data by the California Department of Education.

One out of five dropped out in the same time period, which is almost the same drop out rate as the state as a whole.

Seventy-four percent of students graduated in California, compared with 72 percent in Monterey County. Eighteen percent dropped out, both in Monterey County and statewide.

It's the first time the State uses CALPADS, which means the data is more accurate than in previous years. Because of that, the California Department of Education is discouraging comparisons with previous years.