The Pacific Research Institute has released its 2007 California Education Report Card and the grades aren't very good. The state education system is graded in 17 areas. There were six F's and five D's among the grades offered by PRI, which calls itself a "free market think tank."

"Californians need to spend less time debating how much should be spent on public education and should spend more time focusing the discussion on what works in raising student achievement," said Lance T. Izumi, the group's education studies director. "Finding effective answers to this question will lead to improvements in the quality of education services, the performance of students, and ultimately the future of the Golden State."

You can read the report card here.

California education got F's in its accountablity system that tracks student performance, the low number of student who are proficient in Engligh language arts and math in grades two through 11 and a funding system that has spent millions of dollars on "programs that have yet to show success," according to PRI.

The state's education leaders and the California Teachers Association will undoubtedly disagree with much of the PRI's assessment. I'll add their responses to this post when they are available

Posted by Jim Boren on February 15, 2007 08:41 AM | Permalink