Lindsey Anderson

El Paso Times

Texas fell to the bottom fifth of U.S. states in an annual report on education quality.

Texas is now ranked 43rd in the nation, falling from 39th last year in the annual “Quality Counts” report from national education publication Education Week.

Texas earned a grade of C- this year, while the nation overall earned a C.

Massachusetts ranked first in the country, earning a B+. Nevada ranked last, earning a D. No state earned an A or an F.

Texas performed below most states in two of the report’s three categories: school finance and students’ chance for success. In the third category – kindergarten through 12th grade achievement – Texas' performance was average.

In school finance, Texas ranked 45th in the nation, earning a D grade based on per pupil spending, state spending as a percent of taxable resources and other factors.

Texas ranked 49th in the country in per pupil spending, taking into account regional cost differences, according to the report. Texas spent $7,957 per student, well below the national average of $11,667 per student, according to the report.

How Texas funds public schools is a source of debate with more than 600 school districts suing the state, arguing funding is inadequate and unfairly distributed.

In the “Quality Counts” chance for success category, Texas ranked 42nd, based on the number of children whose parents speak fluent English, preschool enrollment, academic proficiency, family income, parents’ education and other indicators.

Texas was ranked 50th in the country in the subcategory on children whose parents speak fluent English. It also ranked low in adults with two- or four-year postsecondary degrees and parent educational attainment.

Texas has one of the highest rates of English Language Learners in the country, and nearly 35 percent of households speak a language other than English.

In El Paso, the percentage of non-English speaking households is more than double the state rate at 73 percent.

One-third of Texans have an associate’s degree or higher, compared to more than 36 percent nationwide.

In El Paso County, less than 28 percent of residents have an associate’s degree or higher.

Texas performed best in the “Quality Counts” K-12 achievement category, ranking 24th overall.

That score takes into account high school graduation rates, Advanced Placement scores and student performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Lindsey Anderson may be reached at 546-6345; landerson@elpasotimes.com; @l_m_anderson on Twitter.