* Per-pupil spending: This is the most common metric. While New York often ranks high in total K-12 spending, states like New York, New Jersey, and Alaska often have some of the highest per-pupil spending. However, rankings fluctuate yearly depending on data sources and methodologies.
* Total spending: States with larger populations will naturally have higher overall K-12 education budgets, even if their per-pupil spending is lower. California, for example, spends a massive amount overall but might not always top the per-pupil list.
* Teacher salaries: Some states might prioritize teacher salaries, leading to higher overall spending even if other aspects of education receive less funding. Again, this varies considerably.
To find the most current data, you should consult resources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau. These organizations publish detailed reports on state-level education spending, but you'll need to specify the metric (per-pupil, total, etc.) you are interested in.