As back to school season hits fever pitch, the personal finance website WalletHub has new research out ranking state-wide school systems against each other.

For their research, WalletHub put together a massive group of experts, including Richard M. Gonzales Ph.D. – Assistant Professor in Residence, Director of Educational Leadership Preparation Programs, Department of Educational Leadership, University of Connecticut, Neag School of Education, Mark Fabrizi Associate Professor, Associate Chair, Education Department, CARE Coordinator, Director, Liberal Studies Major, Eastern Connecticut State University, Leslie T. Fenwick Ph.D. – Dean Emeritus and Professor, Howard University School of Education, and other high ranking education experts.

Through their research, they looked at all 50 states, and the District of Columbia, and ranked them based on multiple key metrics. They then rated the states by "Quality Rank", "Safety Rank", and "Total Score".

When all the numbers were added up, Louisiana ranked as the second worst in the nation. The only state rated worse was New Mexico.

In the break out ratings, Louisiana was third worst in the country in "Quality Rank" and rated worst in the country in "Safety Rank".

Some of the metrics the experts applied included Dropout Rate, Math Test Scores, Reading Scores, Median SAT Scores, Median ACT Scores, Highest % of Threatened/Injured High School Students, and Highest Bullying-Incidence Rate. Here's how Louisiana ranked in those metrics:

Dropout Rate - 5th Worst in Nation
Math Test Scores - The Worst in the Nation
Reading Scores - 4th Worst in Nation
Median ACT Scores - Tied 3rd Worst in Nation
Highest % of Threatened/Injured High School Students - The Worst in the Nation
Highest Bullying-Incidence Rate - 3rd Worst in Nation

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