Kentucky’s rank among all states on key education indicators improved dramatically this year, placing the state 14th for its work on academic standards, the teaching profession and other variables related to public education.
Each year, Education Week, a national publication focusing on P-12 education, produces a special “Quality Counts” issue. It tracks key indicators and grades states on their policy efforts and outcomes. Last year, Kentucky ranked 34th.
“Kentucky continues to show measurable progress in education, and the rankings provided in ‘Quality Counts’ recognize the hard work of teachers, administrators, parents and community members,” said Gov. Steve Beshear.
“Much of the impetus for Kentucky’s high ranking can be traced to 2009’s Senate Bill 1,” said Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday. “That legislation set us on a course to become a leader nationwide, and with the support of Gov. Beshear, legislators, teachers, administrators and parents, Kentucky’s work in school accountability, teacher training, college/career readiness and stronger academic standards is moving us in the right direction.”
“Quality Counts” provides data and information about efforts in six areas:
– K-12 Achievement
– Standards, Assessments & Accountability
– Teaching Profession
– School Finance
– Transitions & Alignment
– Chance for Success (an index that combines information from 13 indicators that cover residents’ lives from cradle to career)
States were assigned overall letter grades on the average of scores for the six categories. Kentucky’s overall grade was C+; the national average was a C. No states received a grade of A in 2012. Maryland was highest-ranked, with a B+. Three states received B grades; five states received B grades; and five states (including Kentucky) received C+ grades.
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