Mountains of research show that poverty is the best predictor of academic failure. Studies also show that children living in poverty require significantly more resources to level the playing field and give them the same shot at success as their more affluent peers. Because Mississippi has the highest rate of poverty in the nation, Mississippi should be investing more per student in our public schools than any other state, if high achievement is our goal. Instead, we invest less, ensuring our perennial spot at or near the bottom of academic rankings and correlating economic development and quality of life indicators.
#1 in achievement on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP): Massachusetts
- Investment in public education: $14,285 per student
- Students in poverty: 35%
#1 on Forbes’ Best States for Business Ranking: Virginia
- Investment in public education: $10,363 per student
- Students in poverty: 38%
#49 in achievement and #50 on Forbes’ Best States for Business Ranking: Mississippi
- Investment in public education: $7,926 per student
- Students in poverty: 71%
