METHODOLOGY--This fifth Smartest State designation is awarded based on 21 factors chosen from Morgan Quitnos annual reference book, Education State Rankings, 2006-2007. To calculate the Smartest State rankings, the 21 factors were divided into two groups: those that are negative for which a high ranking would be considered bad for a state, and those that are positive for which a high ranking would be considered good. Rates for each of the 21 factors were processed through a formula that measures how a state compares to the national average for a given category. The positive and negative nature of each factor was taken into account as part of the formula. Once these computations were made, the factors then were assigned equal weights. These scores then were added together to determine a states final score (SUM on the table above.) This way, states are assessed based on how they stack up against the national average. The end result is that the farther below the national average a states education ranking is, the lower (and less smart) it ranks. The farther above the national average, the higher (and smarter) a state ranks. This same methodology is used for our annual Healthiest State, Safest and Most Dangerous State and Safest/Dangerous City Awards. The table above shows how each state scored in Morgan Quitnos fifth annual Smartest State Award.