A national lobbying group headed by former D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee released its state-by-state report cards Monday.
The group Students First looked at whether states had policies in place to improve education and create opportunities for reform. One dozen states received failing grades.
In the Washington area, D.C. schools ranked 4th in the nation and earned a grade of C-plus. Maryland schools were 17th and received a D-plus. Virginia schools were ranked 38th and received a D-minus from the group.
Only two states scored above C-plus: Louisiana and Florida.
District schools won high marks for its teacher evaluation program, growing number of charter schools and voucher program for low-income students, the Washington Post reports.
Rhee's approach to education has triggered controversy and criticism across the nation in recent years for its heavy-handed methods. Her policies include tying teachers’ pay to student achievement, tossing out automatic pay increases for teachers and eliminating teacher tenure. Rhee also believes charter schools give parents more school choices.
