Minnesota is often considered to be one of the best places to live in the United States. We have the second-highest life expectancy in the nation (81.1 years) after Hawaii (81.3 years), and our health care is considered to be some of the best in the country, including such names as the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota. Our schools are also frequently cited in good terms. According to a recent study by WalletHub, Minnesota has the 10th-best school system in the nation. The study took into account many factors, which I have highlighted below.
WalletHub’s statistics are based on 17 key metrics that were combined to make a weighted average resulting in our 10th-place score out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Minnesota scored high on many of these metrics. Our math test scores (second) and average SAT score (fourth) are among the highest in the nation. Strong showings are also reflected in Minnesota’s average ACT score (12th) and reading test scores (14th).
For our money, Minnesota schools are efficient. Minnesota takes 17th place in education spending for a 10th place overall school rating. Compare that to Alaska, which ranks fourth in spending, but gets 49th overall. There are also some downsides, however; Minnesota is average on the percentage of licensed public K-12 teachers (23rd) and on disciplinary incidents (24th).
As a student, these numbers seem very promising to me. Of course, I would most certainly rank Minnesota higher. Education on the local level in and around the St. Cloud area has always impressed me. Some of my favorite high-school and middle-school memories have come from participating in Knowledge Bowl tournaments. Minnesota has one of the most developed programs in the nation, and it’s easy to see why. I have met so many intelligent and hard-working students throughout three years of competition, and some of the top teams include local names such as Sauk Rapids-Rice, Sartell-St. Stephen and St. John’s Prep.
New technology such as laptops and iPads have also been introduced in area schools. Though I was at first skeptical of the program, knowing my generation’s obsession with all things digital, seeing them in action at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School has changed my view. Classroom engagement and accountability have increased dramatically in a number of ways. Gone are the days where missing a day of school required calling up a friend about the assignment or losing out on an important lecture. Homework assignments are now available for printing straight off the computer, and daily lesson plans and due dates are listed on an online calendar. There is no longer much of an excuse for not turning in an assignment.
Laptops also increase participation and promote equal opportunity as every student now has access to tools such as word processing and presentation software, as well as Internet access for those who may not have it at home. Textbooks can also be logged into and read on the laptops, reducing the weight and space requirement in a backpack to a fraction of what they would usually take up.
Though there are still some problems with the system, the vast majority of teachers and students I’ve met and worked with are amazing people. It always disheartens me when we hear talk about the dismal state of education and children these days. Those who take pride in their schoolwork and the education profession often go unnoticed in their efforts. Studies like the one I summarized go to show good performance is not always publicized.
Education is sometimes a forgotten priority, but we cannot forget how important it is. Without strong and vibrant schools, we would not have as many of the outstanding people we see in the area today. Education is an investment in the future of our state and our nation. Without it, we would slip even further down the wrong path.
Connor Kockler is a Sauk Rapids-Rice High School student. He enjoys writing, politics and news, among other interests.
