Hoyer Praises Maryland Public Schools for Earning Number One National Ranking

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) congratulated Maryland for being ranked the number one state school system by Education Week in their annual Quality Counts report. This is the fifth consecutive year that Maryland has ranked first in the nation.

"Congratulations to Maryland's educators, school administrators, students, and parents on their success this year," stated Congressman Hoyer. "Thanks to their dedication and hard work, our schools have been rated best in the nation for the fifth consecutive year. I'm proud that Maryland continues to lead our country and is making important investments in early childhood education and college and career readiness. I commend Governor O'Malley and State Superintendent Lillian Lowery for their commitment to education, and look forward to working with federal, state, and local officials, as well as all stakeholders, to maintain our competitiveness and ensure our students continue to succeed."

Maryland received a grade of B+ in Education Week's 2013 Quality Counts report, which is based on more than 100 distinct indicators. The state received strong individual grades in several different categories: Chance for Success; Transitions and Alignment; School Finance; K-12 Achievement; Standards, Assessments, and Accountability; and the Teaching Profession. Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia followed Maryland with B grades, and most states received grades in the C range or below. To read the full report, click here.