Based on a comprehensive analysis of data, the Quality Counts newsletter answers a key question: Where does my state rank in educational opportunities and performance?
The states are evaluated and classified into three categories: Chance for Success (January), School Finance (June) and K-12 Achievement (September). A state’s overall score, published in September, is the average of its scores on the three separate indices tracked for the bulletin.
Chance of success: evaluating educational opportunities
The EdWeek Research Center developed the Success Chance Index to better understand the role that education plays in promoting positive outcomes throughout an individual’s life. Based on a state-by-state analysis, this index combines information from 13 indicators that span a person’s life from birth to career. These indicators fall into three subsections: basics, school years and results for adults.
The index assesses each state using a variety of measures, including:
- How polite are the parents?
- What is the proportion of children aged 3 and 4 enrolled in preschool?
- Are elementary and high school students proficient in reading and math?
- What is the high school completion rate?
- What percentage of adults have a permanent job?
Diving into the discoveries, South Carolina receives a C in the Chance-for-Success category and ranks 40th. The average state gets a B-minus.
Initial fundamentals: are children getting off to a good start?
For the first foundations, which examines the factors that help children get off to a good start, South Carolina receives a B and ranks 37th. The middle state has a B.
School years: how are students doing at school?
South Carolina receives a C for school years, a subcategory focusing on metrics related to pre-K enrollment through participation in higher education. He finishes 42nd in the nation in this area. In comparison, the nation as a whole earns a C-plus.
Results for adults: are adults finding opportunities for success?
In the area of adult results, based on post-secondary educational performance and workforce indicators, South Carolina scores C. It ranks 37th in the country. The national average is a C +.