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Education

Florida Nosedives In Newly-Revised National Education Rankings

WFSU | By Lynn Hatter

Published January 8, 2015 at 6:11 PM EST

Florida's public schools took a tumble in a major national educational ranking. Florida has fallen to number 28 in the nation.

Under Education Week’s new metrics, Florida’s grade went from a B-minus to a C: with the state taking a hit for having one of the lowest per-pupil spending rates in the nation. That’s despite education making up the second largest piece of the state budget.

The state did earn marks for student achievement.

"As a result of Florida’s hard-working teachers, Florida students are once again being recognized for their outstanding performance," said state education commissioner Pam Stewart in a statement. "Today's news is evidence that the state’s focus on student achievement is working and Florida has a good return on its investment in education."

The Department of Education also notes Florida received credit for boosting high school graduation rates, and increasing in the number of people earning college degrees.

Florida’s ranking had been climbing. No rankings were issued last year, but in 2013 the state was rated 6^th, under a different scale. Georgia came in at 31, Alabama is at 45.