A recent study by WalletHub has ranked Oklahoma’s education system as the second-worst in the United States, highlighting significant challenges in quality and safety metrics.
In a comprehensive study conducted by personal finance company WalletHub, Oklahoma’s education system has been ranked as the second-worst in the country. Based on various measures from pupil-teacher ratios to median standardized test scores, the study graded Oklahoma with a score of 32.8 out of 100, placing it just above New Mexico, which scored 27.92.
The WalletHub study aimed to determine the best and worst states for public school education by comparing them on quality and safety using 32 different metrics. These included dropout rates, test scores, bullying incidence, and the existence of digital learning plans.
Oklahoma’s rankings in key metrics were concerning:
- Quality: 50th
- Math test scores: 47th
- Reading test scores: 47th
- Pupil-teacher ratio: 39th
- Median SAT score: 47th
- Median ACT score: 43rd
- Dropout rate: 46th
- Bullying incidence rate: 27th
- Percent of threatened or injured high school students: 19th
- Existence of digital learning plan: 33rd
Cassandra Happe, an analyst at WalletHub, emphasized the importance of funding in school systems but noted that how funds are applied, the quality of educators, and the curriculum also play crucial roles in the success of a school system. “Schools need to focus not just on test scores but also on making sure that students feel safe, comfortable, and cared for,” Happe stated.
In contrast, Massachusetts was ranked as having the best education system in the country, earning a grade of 74.36. The state was praised for its high test scores and safe school environments. The top ten states in the WalletHub study included Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Nebraska, New York, Virginia, and North Dakota.
On the other end of the spectrum, the states with the worst education systems following New Mexico and Oklahoma included Arizona, Alaska, Louisiana, West Virginia, Oregon, Alabama, Mississippi, and Nevada.
This study sheds light on the urgent need for improvements in Oklahoma’s education system to ensure better quality and safer environments for students across the state.
Be the first to comment on "Oklahoma’s education system ranked second-worst in the nation by a recent study"