A state-by-state examination of the latest figures, from the 2022-23 school year, shows spikes and dips for nationwide cohorts of students, many of whom spent their early high school years on remote learning.

With an emphasis on work-based learning, both of the new diplomas will require students to fulfill three components: foundational knowledge and competencies, employability skills and postsecondary-ready competencies.

"We know that one of the most important things we can do to help our students learn is to make sure they come to school consistently and make our families and communities strong partners in this effort," writes U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona.