“Uncovering the Shocking Truth: Which 15 States Are Failing Their Students?”
To address literacy issues, Kentucky is focusing on reading programs for young students. The state hopes that better reading skills early on will lead to long-term improvements.
11. Arkansas
Arkansas faces education challenges that stem from low literacy rates and limited access to advanced courses. The state’s predominantly rural landscape makes it hard for many students to get specialized instruction.
The state has recently invested in early reading programs to tackle literacy rates, with the aim of making steady progress in its rankings over time.
12. Tennessee
In Tennessee, high dropout rates and limited pre-K access are two main barriers. These factors affect how prepared students are for higher education and career opportunities.
To counter this, Tennessee has been making community colleges more accessible. The state’s “Tennessee Promise” scholarship program helps students afford higher education, though K-12 performance still needs improvement.
13. Georgia
Georgia’s education rankings are hurt by disparities between urban and rural school quality. Rural areas have fewer resources, leading to larger class sizes and lower graduation rates.
One highlight is the HOPE scholarship program, which has helped many students attend college. However, K-12 education in rural areas still has significant room for improvement.
14. Idaho
Idaho spends relatively little per student, which limits what schools can offer. This low funding also makes it hard for rural schools to offer advanced courses or recruit specialized teachers.
