California was once lauded as a pinacle of public education – a California High School diploma was viewed as not only an achievement, but a mark of a well educated mind. Fast forward to 2011 and California now ranks 47th in the nation for student funding; its graduate rate is a measly 42nd. It has the widest gaps in teacher : student ratios and, on averages, funds individual students 35% less than other states.
What happened to California? Is it redeemable? How has a state with so many resources, great wealth, and immense opportunity fallen so far?
There is a broad consensus that California’s public schools are not what they could be, nor what they used to be
This month’s Economist publishes an excellent exposé on the California school system and a great read for anyone involved in public education and/or wants to invest in our children’s future.
Jen,
What source did you use to show that California now ranks 47 in the nation? I knew California was in huge huge trouble, but it is hard to believe that over three Southern States rank above California. How tragic that a state with so much money is not dedicating the necessary funds to education.
My error, I corrected, they are 47th in the nation for funding students! 42nd for drop out rates! There are a number of stats listed on the Economist’s page – it’s an interesting article.
Oy! I will need to read this disturbing article.
The state of California is a mess. No doubt about that. I will have to look that article up at work – a public library – another grossly underfunded institution.
Thanks for the comment Lori. You are right, how do we expect o have a well-educated, involved citizenry when we strip them of funding and remove basic amenities (like libraries).
[...] In fact if you Google “what happened” and “California education,” the top three searches are: “ From First to Worst, What happened to California School Finance”, “How did we get here? California Taxes and Education”, and “What Happened to California’s Higher Education System?” [...]