K-12
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Posted May 13, 2011
The Institute for a Competitive Workforce has taken a snapshot of all 50 states and the District of Columbia comparing the state of K-12 education in nine categories. To use this interactive map, click on your state for a snapshot of how its K-12 education system is faring across all nine categories. Or, you may click on an individual category for a quick view of how all 50 states measure up against one another. Click on the question mark next to each category for a description and information on how the rating system was developed.
Background Information
In fall 2010, the National Chamber Foundation (NCF) received a grant from the Daniels Fund, a Colorado-based foundation established by Bill Daniels, to support its efforts to inform and mobilize business leaders and other key constituencies about K–12 education reform in America's public schools.
Using the film Waiting for “Superman” as a platform, NCF went on a 12-city road trip to promote the film and to foster discussion on how business leaders can get involved in education reform–a critical component in creating sustainable economic growth. In each city NCF partnered with the state or local chamber of commerce to screen the film and host a panel of business leaders, education officials, and state and local policymakers. Over 11 weeks, NCF distributed materials to and brought together more than 2,200 people.
As part of this effort, NCF and ICW created 50 state specific fact sheets to provide data on how each state is performing. Using the fact sheets, ICW launched the interactive map above, which compares state K–12 education statistics in nine categories: Standards, Data Systems, Charter School Laws, Return on Investment, Teacher Policies, Student Achievement, Achievement Gaps, Graduation Rates, and Race to the Top participation.
Download your state's full fact sheet and find out if its education system is ranked "good," "bad," or "ugly." (PDF)
Want to learn more about how this ranking system was created? Download the full methodology (February 2011).
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