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How have Minnesota school districts performed?  The level current spending per pupil in Minnesota is near the national average based on the most current data from the U.S. Census Bureau (2002 Census of Governments).  However, Minnesota standardized test scores are consistently above the national average.  According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Minnesota eighth graders rank well above the national average in reading, science, and writing.  Furthermore, Minnesota eighth graders rank first in the nation in math.  Not bad for an average spending state.

However, a word of caution here is in order.  To some extent, Minnesota’s high scores may be the result of our past investments in E-12 education.  In other words, to some degree the state may be “coasting.”  It is unlikely that our high scores relative to the rest of the nation will continue if our investment in education continues to diminish.

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