Pennsylvania Outperforms Nation on Latest Education Report Card
Pennsylvania ranks 10th in the nation in education performance and policy, earning an overall grade above the national average, according to the latest “Quality Counts” report recently released by Education Week. Education Secretary Gerald L. Zahorchak said the grade shows Pennsylvania is making strides in bolstering public education and better preparing its students, but more work remains to ensure all students leave high school with the skills needed to compete in the global economy. The comprehensive annual report awarded a grade of B- to Pennsylvania, compared to the national grade of C. Pennsylvania outperformed the nation in five of the six grading categories and 14 of the 17 graded criteria. This year’s “Quality Counts” report assessed the states in six areas:
*A Chance for Success index which awarded Pennsylvania a grade of B, compared to a national grade of C+. Pennsylvania ranked 10th in the nation in this grading category.
*The Elementary and Secondary Performance index uses NAEP scores, graduation data and AP test scores to evaluate the each state’s overall achievement and ability to close the poverty gap. In this category Pennsylvania scored a grade of C+, compared to the national grade of D+, obtaining the fifth highest score in the nation in this category.
*The Transitions and Alignment index measures the state’s ability to align their education system from early childhood programs through workforce and postsecondary needs. In this area, Pennsylvania earned a B-, compared to the national grade of C and ranked eighth in the nation.
*The School Finance index compared equity and spending among states. In this category Pennsylvania was given a B- and the national grade was C+ and ranked 15th nationally.
*The Teaching Profession index compared state’s teacher licensure requirements, evaluation procedures, salaries and incentives. In this category, Pennsylvania earned a C+, compared to the national grade of C and ranked 15th nationally in this category.
*The Standards, Assessments and Accountability index compared the alignment of assessments and accountability policies. In this category Pennsylvania was given a C+ compared to the national grade of B and ranked 32nd nationally
— Teachers of Color
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