Oregonians Are Among the Least Positive About Public Education

Monday, March 14, 2016

GoLocalPDX News Team

A state-by-state poll and analysis by Gallup has found nearly half Oregonians have little confidence in the public schools. And, their view is consistent with the 2016 Report Card from Education Week.

In contrast to Oregon resident's views, Gallup found that North Dakota residents (89%) are more likely than those living in any other U.S. state to rate the K-12 education provided in their state as excellent or good, followed closely by those living in Minnesota and Nebraska.

Only 54% of Oregon residents rank Oregon schools “excellent” or “good.”

The Gallup numbers on how Oregon residents feel about the quality of schools mirrors the 2016 analysis by Education Week - the leading education publication in the United States.

SEE RANKING BELOW

Grade: D+ from Education Week

The 2016 Education Week analysis of the spending and quality of public schools in the United States reports damming data for Oregon Schools.

Only 9.2 percent of Oregon students in districts where per-pupil expenditures reach or exceed the U.S. average — among the lowest in the United States.

Implications for the Gallup Data

Gallup data reveal a strong relationship between states' economic conditions and residents' perceptions that their public education systems are providing high-quality education that will prepare students for workplace success. Public education systems require strong financial support at the state and local level, and challenging economic conditions can make it more difficult to provide the funding required for schools to deliver a high-quality education. Additionally, students living in states with higher unemployment rates may face different challenges in finding a good job.