Florida ranks near the bottom of the pack when it comes to education. In a recent study, Florida was ranked 47th out of 50 states in terms of education. This is a disappointing ranking for a state that prides itself on being a leader in tourism and recreation.
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Introduction
Nearly every state in the Union has a public education system, and each state is different. In some states, like Massachusetts, the schools are consistently ranked among the best in the nation. In others, like Mississippi, the schools struggle to offer even a basic education. So where does Florida fall on this spectrum? Let’s take a look at some important statistics to find out.
The Data
The following data is from the National Center for Education Statistics.
Florida ranks:
-4th in the nation for highest high school graduation rate
-8th in the nation for highest percent of 3- and 4-year-olds enrolled in preschool
-9th in the nation for highest math proficiency among 8th graders
-17th in the nation for highest reading proficiency among 4th graders
The Rankings
The Sunshine State ranks 29th in the nation for education, according to a recent report from Education Week.
The report, which looked at a variety of factors including test scores, graduation rates and preschool enrollment, gave Florida a “C” grade and placed it behind states like Massachusetts, New Jersey, Virginia and Maryland.
Florida’s education system has long been a source of contention, with lawmakers often debating how to fund schools and raise teacher salaries. In recent years, the state has made some progress on both fronts, but it still lags behind much of the country.
The Education Week report is just the latest to highlight Florida’s struggling schools. Last year, the state ranked 41st in the country for overall child well-being, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. And in 2017, Florida ranked 35th in education by U.S. News & World Report.
It’s clear that Florida has some work to do when it comes to education. But there are also some bright spots worth celebrating. The state’s high school graduation rate has reached an all-time high of 87 percent, and its proficiency rates on standardized tests have risen in recent years.
There’s no easy fix for Florida’s education woes, but improving the state’s ranking should be a priority for lawmakers and educators alike
The Takeaway
The take away from this article is that Florida ranks high in the nation for education from K-12. They have a good test score and a good graduation rate.
