WASHINGTON, DC —The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, recently released the fourth edition of its Leaders & Laggards series, A State-by-State Report Card on K–12 Educational Effectiveness. The report examines education systems in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in 11 areas critical to the increasingly competitive global labor market.
- Academic achievement
- Academic Achievement of Low-Income and Minority Students
- Return on Investment
- Truth in Advertising: Student Proficiency
- Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness
- 21st Century Teaching Force
- Parental Options
- Data Quality
- Technology
- International Competitiveness
- Fiscal Responsibility
The report finds that New York performs well in areas like postsecondary and workforce readiness, international competitiveness, and providing parents with options.
“That New York is doing better than many other states doesn't mean the business community can step back for our reform efforts,” said Heather C. Briccetti, president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State.
“The State's own data reveal that fully one-third of New York high school students graduate unprepared for college or a career and there is real concern in the business community that New York's growing STEM economy will be stifled if we do not find innovative new ways to help schools better prepare graduates to fill good paying middle-skill jobs,” said Briccetti.
New York earns a high grade in preparing its students for college and careers, with 25 students out of 100 passing an AP exam. New York also receives very high marks on fiscal responsibility. Eighty-seven percent of the state's pension is funded, and the state's most recent pension contribution was 100%. However, improvement is needed in areas like technology, return on investment, and academic achievement of low-income and minority students.
“In a 21st century global economy, it is imperative that all students receive the high-quality education necessary to open the doors of opportunity and put them on the road to lifelong success,” says U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation President John McKernan, Jr. “This report assesses how states are doing in a number of areas critical to ensuring that all students have access to a quality education and our country can continue to grow economically.”
The Chamber is urging policymakers, the business community, and educators to craft a reform agenda that demands high academic standards, promotes transparency, provides options for families, and offers every child a high-quality education.
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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a nonprofit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce dedicated to strengthening America's long-term competitiveness by addressing developments that affect our nation, our economy, and the global business environment.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.