Maryland has the best public school system in the country, according to new analysis from a leading education newspaper.
The report from Education Week took into account data from six criteria over the past two years, including school finance, transition programs that guide students from kindergarten to 12th grade, and student achievement. The state ranked third in last year’s analysis, but this year, for the first time, moved to the top spot — barely beating Massachusetts, which had the No. 2 school system.
» Chance for Success: B+
» K-12 Achievement: B
» Standards, Assessments and Accountability: B
» Transitions & Alignment: A
» Teaching Profession: C-
» School Finance: B
State Superintendent of Schools Nancy Grasmick said the top ranking is the result of years of work on curriculum, accountability, high-school reform and preparation for college and work.
“School reform doesn’t happen overnight,” Grasmick said in a statement. “It takes a long-term commitment to high standards and collaboration, always keeping in mind the students and the families we serve.”
She was spotted wearing a button reading “#1” in Annapolis Wednesday afternoon.
The state earned the top ranking in the transitions and alignment category, which measures how well education is connected from when students enter kindergarten to when they finish high school.
State funding for local school systems has increased dramatically since the General Assembly in 2002 passed the landmark Thornton formula, which has boosted local education funding 82 percent. Last year, Maryland put $5.3 billion into local school systems.
“Now is more important than ever, even in these difficult times, to continue to protect our investments in public education to ensure that every child receives a world class education and a better future,” Gov. Martin O’Malley said in a statement.
