Oregon Schools Score 36.6% In Study: Rated 7th Worst In America

By Diane Megaw On Jul 23, 2024

Despite high spending, in a recent study of American schools, weak systems in Oregon schools saw the state placed at 45 out of the 51 states- 7^th last. The poor outcomes take various factors into account to help parents find a school system that gives their children the right academic and emotional resources.

Grading Of Oregon Schools

The personal finance organization, WalletHub, conducted a study over 50 states plus the District of Columbia (51 states) across 32 key markers to measure quality and safety. Using data set ranges such as the drop-out rate, pupil-teacher ratio, and median standardized test scores, the study also extended to the share of students with access to drugs or participating in violence.

Graded on a 100-point scale (a score of 100 representing the highest quality of public K–12 education), each measure was weighted individually. Each state was then measured using the districts’ weighted average to calculate an overall score. This score determined the ranking of schools nationwide.

Massachusetts was rated the best school, scoring 74.36% to be placed at the number 1 spot, despite a safety ranking at the second place which went to Delaware. Oregon scored as follows in quality and safety:

Overall: 45^th
Safety: 44^th

Other scores for Oregon were:

% of Licensed/Certified Public K–12 Teachers: 17^th
Median SAT Score: 20^th
Median ACT Score: 23^rd
Existence of Digital Learning Plan: 33^rd
Math Test Scores: 42^nd
Reading Test Scores: 43^rd
Pupil: Teacher Ratio: 44^th
Drop-out Rate: 44^th

The rankings have been published while budget cuts To Fix Medford School District’s $15 Million deficit is being opposed.

Oregon Schools Spend More Than 27 Other States

Despite being above average on SAT and ACT scores and the percentage of licensed/certified teachers, these measures were not enough to rank the state as above average. Oregon was also rated as the 23^rd highest in spending rankings despite being low in the overall school system rating.

The WalletHub researchers indicate that over $16,000 per pupil is spent on public education in the U.S. per year but point out that simply having more money isn’t a guarantee of success. Other factors include:

How these funds are applied.

The quality of the curriculum, educators, and other professionals.

An analyst for the organization said that instead of just focusing on test scores, schools need to make sure that students feel safe, comfortable, and cared for.