Governor Martin O’Malley today made the following statement Jan. 7, regarding Maryland’s number one ranking in Education Week's 2009 Quality Counts annual report: 

“This is tremendous news for the State of Maryland.  Today, Education Week announced that Maryland’s public school system ranks first in the nation among all 50 states – moving up from third in the nation last year.  It is a great tribute to the students, teachers, and parents who, in response to the increased investments made by all Marylanders, continue to achieve at unprecedented levels.” 

Since the passage of the Thornton Bridge to Excellence Plan, State funding for local school systems has increased by $2.029 billion dollars, an 82 percent increase.  Later today, the Maryland State Department will release the final report of its consultant (MGT America) evaluating the effect of increased state aid to local school systems through Thornton’s Bridge to Excellence Plan. 

Last year, the State of Maryland has invested an historic $5.3 billion in public education, and has invested over $740 million in school construction to build classrooms and schools for the 21st century.  The O’Malley-Brown Administration also froze college tuition for a third consecutive year to ensure that a higher education is accessible for more Maryland families.  In addition, last year, the Milken Institute ranked Maryland No. 2 nationwide for technology economy preparedness, and ranked Maryland first in the nation for human capital investment.  

Each year, Education Week issues an education report card.  Each of the 50 States and the District of Columbia receives an overall letter grade spanning all six categories that constitute Quality Counts’ analytic framework: Chance for Success; transitions and alignment; school finance; K-12 achievement; standards, assessments, and accountability; and the teaching profession. 

Maryland ranked number one in transitions and alignment policies, which measures a State’s ability to connect the K-12 education system with early learning, higher education and the workforce.  Maryland earned a grade of 100 for early-childhood education, earned a grade of 90 for college readiness, and earned a grade of 100 for the economy and the workforce.  

“Now is more important than ever, even in these difficult times, to continue to protect our investments in public education to ensure that every child receives a world class education and a better future. The people of Maryland are our greatest asset and our continued economic strength depends upon our ability to invest in them, and prepare our children today for the jobs of tomorrow.”