Oklahoma ranks low in education report

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The latest "Quality Counts" report ranks Oklahoma 48th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia in the quality of education it provides students.

The report issued Thursday focuses on educational outcomes while looking at academic achievement, school funding and the chance for success students have when they grow up.

Oklahoma received a D-plus, which placed it ahead of Mississippi, Nevada and New Mexico. Massachusetts led the nation with a B.

Outgoing state schools Superintendent Janet Barresi issued a statement saying Oklahoma teachers are not adequately prepared for the classroom.

Spokesman Alex Weintz for Gov. Mary Fallin said Fallin is working with educators, parents, lawmakers and the business community to find ways to improve the education outcome for students in the state.