Maryland has really good public schools. The best in the nation, in fact. That’s not a surprise – the top ranking is a spot they’ve held for three years in a row now, according to the annual Quality Counts education report.
Across the Potomac, Virginia’s public schools aren’t looking to shabby either – they’re ranked fourth in the nation (even with error-filled textbooks). However, the situation in the 68.3 square miles between the two couldn’t look more different. Ranking second-to-last, the District of Columbia was given a score of 69.1, compared to 87.6 for Maryland and 81.8 for Virginia. To see the rankings and methodology explanation, click here.
One of RF’s main goals is to reduce income inequality throughout the region by increasing educational achievement for all residents. We can’t survive as a prosperous region with such large disparities in education. It’s economically detrimental and socially irresponsible. Fortunately, local and federal leaders recognize the need to focus extensively on improving public schools in the nation’s capital. On Monday, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan voiced his support for continued education reform in D.C., and remarking on the $75 million the District received from the Dept. of Education in last year’s Race to the Top grant program, said that “We’re a partner. We’re an investor [in DCPS].”