Area Development
Education Week has given the country a D+ on the achievement of its schools, according to its annual Quality Counts report. Maryland, the top-ranked state, received a B+, with Massachusetts and New York following closely with B grades. Most states received a C+ or lower.

"If the turbulence and waves of hardship brought by the recession have taught us anything, it's that America will sink or swim in a global economy based on its success educating all of its citizens, not just a privileged few, to high standards" said Christopher B. Swanson, vice president of Editorial Projects in Education, the nonprofit organization that publishes Education Week. "If we are going to continue advancing as a nation, then strong, sustained, and equitable educational improvement must become the norm for students in every state rather than the exception that it is today."

This year's 50-state survey places extra attention on the effects of the recession, federal stimulus, and overall economic conditions on U.S. schools. The study reveals that despite a tight financial situation, schools have attempted to enact reforms although many budgets have been cut.

To read the full report and view additional online-only features, go to edweek.org/go/qc2011.