Special Report

States With the Best and Worst Schools

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11. Utah
> High school graduation rate: 85.2% (24th lowest)
> Public school spending: $6,953.12 per pupil (the lowest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 39.0% (math) 38.0% (reading)
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 34.6% (12th highest)
> Children who live in low income families: 31.5%

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12. Maryland
> High school graduation rate: 87.6% (12th highest)
> Public school spending: $14,205.77 per pupil (12th highest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 33.0% (math) 38.0% (reading)
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 39.7% (3rd highest)
> Children who live in low income families: 28.8%

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13. North Dakota
> High school graduation rate: 87.5% (13th highest)
> Public school spending: $13,372.86 per pupil (15th highest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 40.0% (math) 33.0% (reading)
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 30.7% (25th lowest)
> Children who live in low income families: 27.7%

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14. Pennsylvania
> High school graduation rate: 86.1% (21st highest)
> Public school spending: $15,417.53 per pupil (9th highest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 38.0% (math) 40.0% (reading)
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 31.4% (23rd highest)
> Children who live in low income families: 35.4%

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15. Colorado
> High school graduation rate: 78.9% (6th lowest)
> Public school spending: $9,574.74 per pupil (13th lowest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 38.0% (math) 41.0% (reading)
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 41.2% (2nd highest)
> Children who live in low income families: 30.9%

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