Arkansas schools fifth in new rankings

— Arkansas schools are ranked fifth nationally in a new analysis by a journal of education policy.

Education Week on Thursday released the rankings, which last year had Arkansas in sixth place.

"We've come a long way as a state in our pursuit of academic excellence, and we'll continue making improvements that help our students and our state's future," Gov. Mike Beebe said in a news release.

The rankings are based on six education policy and performance categories: transitions and alignment; teaching profession; standards, assessment and accountability; school finance; K-12 achievement; and chance for success.

Arkansas, with an overall score of 81.6, tied for first with Maryland in the transitions and alignment category and second in the teaching profession category.

The top four schools were Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia.

Upcoming Events