Pennsylvania Outscores Nation on Latest Education Report Card

'Quality Counts' Report Shows Need to Improve Resources, Enact Graduation
Requirements to Keep PA Competitive

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania ranks 10th in
the nation in education performance and policy, earning an overall grade above
the national average, according to the latest "Quality Counts" report released
today by Education Week.

Education Secretary Gerald L. Zahorchak said the grade shows Pennsylvania is
making strides in bolstering public education and better preparing its
students, but more work remains to ensure all students leave high school with
the skills needed to compete in the global economy.

The comprehensive annual report awarded a grade of B- to Pennsylvania,
compared to the national grade of C. Pennsylvania outperformed the nation in
five of the six grading categories and 14 of the 17 graded criteria.

"The latest 'Quality Counts' report shows we are moving to the head of the
class nationally, but we cannot afford to rest on our laurels," Zahorchak
said. "We still have much work to do to ensure that every child graduates with
the skills and knowledge needed to succeed beyond high school."

Under Governor Edward G. Rendell, the state has made record investments in
targeted education initiatives that are proven to bring results. These include
unprecedented investments in early childhood education, the creation of a more
rigorous high school curriculum and more resources to aid students in making
the transition to higher education or the workforce.

"Judging from the latest national results, it's clear our investments are
moving the commonwealth in the right direction," the secretary said.

This year's "Quality Counts" report assessed the states in six areas:

-- A Chance for Success index which awarded Pennsylvania a grade of B,
compared to a national grade of C+. Pennsylvania ranked tenth in the nation in
this grading category.

-- The Elementary and Secondary Performance index uses NAEP scores, graduation
data and AP test scores to evaluate the each state's overall achievement and
ability to close the poverty gap. In this category Pennsylvania scored a grade
of C+, compared to the national grade of D+, obtaining the fifth highest score
in the nation in this category.

-- The Transitions and Alignment index measures the state's ability to align
their education system from early childhood programs through workforce and
postsecondary needs. In this area, Pennsylvania earned a B-, compared to the
national grade of C and ranked eighth in the nation.

-- The School Finance index compared equity and spending among states. In this
category Pennsylvania was given a B- and the national grade was C+ and ranked
15th nationally.

-- The Teaching Profession index compared state's teacher licensure
requirements, evaluation procedures, salaries and incentives. In this
category, Pennsylvania earned a C+, compared to the national grade of C and
ranked 15th nationally in this category.

-- The Standards, Assessments and Accountability index compared the alignment
of assessments and accountability policies. In this category Pennsylvania was
given a C+ compared to the national grade of B and ranked 32nd nationally.

Zahorchak said there are several important steps Pennsylvania should take to
improve its standing among the states in the "Quality Counts" national report
card. These include:

-- Improving our school funding system by ensuring that all students have
access to quality classroom resources.

-- Adopting statewide high school graduation requirements to ensure that a
Pennsylvania high school diploma means that students are ready for college and
high-skill careers.

-- Expanding early childhood education programs like pre-kindergarten,
full-day kindergarten and elementary school class-size reduction.

-- Providing financial incentives for successful principals in high-need
schools.

-- Requiring teacher preparation programs to provide more field experience and
holding them accountable for how well their teachers do once they start
working in schools.

"Too many of our high school graduates are ill-prepared for the demands of
life after high school, whether they go on to college or enter the workforce,"
Zahorchak said of the need for high school graduation requirements, which was
the subject of a State Board of Education public hearing today. "This often
puts them at a lifelong disadvantage, limiting their opportunities and the
lifelong earnings capacity. We owe it to them, and to the commonwealth, to
make sure they emerge from high school ready to succeed."

For more information on the Department of Education and its initiatives, visit
www.pde.state.pa.us.

CONTACT: Michael Race
(717) 783-9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education

Michael Race of Pennsylvania Department of Education, +1-717-783-9802