PA Governor Rendell Hails State’s High Marks in Education Report Card

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Governor Edward G. Rendell today highlighted Pennsylvania’s strong showing in a new report ranking it among the top 10 in education performance and policy. He pledged that his administration will continue to work to ensure students are prepared to meet the challenges of the new economy.

Education Week’s annual "Quality Counts" report gave Pennsylvania a "B-." The nation’s grade was a "C." No state earned an overall grade of "A." Pennsylvania outperformed the nation in five of the six grading categories and 14 of the 17 graded criteria.

"The fact that only three other states received a higher overall grade than Pennsylvania speaks volumes about the progress we’ve made and will continue to pursue," said Governor Rendell. "Our record investments in proven education initiatives and stronger accountability standards are better preparing our students for success in the workforce."

The Governor said the Quality Counts report is recommending that there is more Pennsylvania can do to ensure that every student graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in life.

"The report reinforces the need to ensure that a Pennsylvania high school diploma has value," Governor Rendell said. "By adopting statewide high school graduation requirements, we will know that a diploma means students are ready for college and high-skill careers. I look forward to the State Board of Education’s vote on the issue later this week."

The Governor said other steps Pennsylvania should take to improve its standing among the states in the "Quality Counts" national report card include:

– Improving Pennsylvania’s school funding system by ensuring that all students have access to quality classroom resources;

– 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; and

– 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.

For more information about the Quality Counts report and the Rendell administration’s ongoing education investments and initiatives, visit http://www.pde.state.pa.us/.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell’s initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit http://www.governor.state.pa.us/.

   CONTACT:   Chuck Ardo   717-783-1116  

Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Chuck Ardo of Pennsylvania Office of the Governor,+1-717-783-1116

Web Site: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/http://www.pde.state.pa.us/