Maryland’s public schools have ranked highest in the nation for the 5th year in a row according to a national report released yesterday by Education Week.
Education Week, the nation’s leading education publication, looked at data in six critical categories over the past five years and once ranked Maryland at the head of the class.
According to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE,) Maryland’s grade of B+ placed at the top of the list in Education Week’s annual “Quality Counts” tally. Like last year, Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia followed Maryland, with B grades. Most states received grades in the C ranges or below.
“From the earliest days of our Administration, job creation and its primary ingredient, education, have topped our agenda. Every year of this Administration, even during the toughest of times, we have invested to make this a reality," said Governor Martin O'Malley.
"Today we’re here to announce that, with better choices, we have built what Education Week magazine says is the #1 best public school system in America for the fifth year in a row because of our students, educators and parents who understand that the investments we make in education are investments in the future we all share."
State Superintendent Lillian M. Lowery said the latest rankings serve as fuel for further improvement. The data reflect the strong support education receives throughout Maryland.
“Maryland public schools are so fortunate to have bipartisan support throughout the State,” Dr. Lowery said. “Our schools have the benefit of strong support from the Governor, other elected officials, educators, parents, business leaders, and the public at large.
“This ranking could not be achieved without the support of every partner, and we won’t be able to continue our improvement without that broad coalition.”
The top 10 states as ranked by Education Week are:
- Maryland (B+)
- Massachusetts (B)
- New York (B)
- Virginia (B)
- Arkansas (B-)
- Florida (B-)
- Georgia (B-)
- New Jersey (B-)
- West Virginia (B-)
- Kentucky (B-)
Most of the state-level data gathered by Education Week comes from a policy survey of the states conducted in the summer and fall of 2012. Additionally, the publication draws on data from such organizations as the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Bureau of the Census, and the American Federation of Teachers.
For additional information regarding Education Week, visit their website.
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