CHEYENNE – Wyoming was ranked eighth in the nation in Education Week’s 20th annual report card. Quality Counts 2016 – Called to Account: New Directions in School Accountability gave Wyoming an overall score of 80.2 out of 100 points and a grade of B minus.
“The efforts of our state to make education a priority are starting to show,” said State Superintendent Jillian Balow. “The development of a responsive state accountability system with funding support has put Wyoming ahead of the curve, especially now with the transition into ESSA. Thanks to our legislators, congressional delegation, and community education leaders, we have a framework that allows us to create opportunities for students to keep Wyoming strong.”
Wyoming scored the highest among western states and above the nation’s overall grade of C.
The 2016 grades are based on three key indices: the Chance-for-Success Index; K-12 Achievement Index; and school finance.
Wyoming Department of Education communications director Kari Eakins says Wyoming shined in school finance, scoring second in the nation on spending with an A minus. The state also did well Equity with an A minus in K-12 achievement. Wyoming was graded an A in early foundations under Chance-for-Success.
Massachusetts received the highest grade with a B+, scoring 86.8 out of the possible 100 points.