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For generations, West Virginia has struggled to improve the quality of the education it provides (and, therefore, its prospects for a brighter future). And, for generations, not much has changed. Once again, according to WalletHub's "Most and Least Educated States in America 2024," we are dead last.
"Getting a good education doesn't guarantee high future earnings and better opportunities, but there's a definite correlation," said WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe. "It's certainly worth living in one of the most educated states, which offer high-quality learning from childhood all the way through the university level. That's especially true if you plan to raise children."
We know that -- don't we? Some lawmakers still seem determined to drive our education even further back to the Dark Ages, but the majority of them surely understand how much is riding on doing the best we can for our young people.
Despite knowing we have a significant challenge to overcome, we still seem unable to rise about levels such as 50th for educational attainment and 44th for quality of education. We are 50th for the percentage of associate's degree holders or college-experienced adults AND for the percentage of bachelor's degree holders. We are 48th for the number of graduate- or professional-degree holders. We are 47th for average university quality.
That is a pitiful performance from the perspective of those who, as Happe mentioned, are planning where to raise their children. As lawmakers and other public officials continue to pretend their goal is to attract and retain residents, it is mind-boggling to think we've done so poorly in reversing this particular trend.
How much more will it take for them to devote their attention to making the changes that will truly lift all West Virginians AND lead to educational quality and attainment that might event attract more.