What are the bottom 5 states in education?

Defining the "bottom 5" states in education is difficult because different metrics produce different rankings. There's no single universally agreed-upon ranking. However, consistently, states frequently appearing near the bottom of various educational rankings include (in no particular order and subject to change based on the year and specific metrics used):

* New Mexico: Often ranks poorly in graduation rates, standardized test scores, and overall educational attainment.

* Mississippi: Frequently shows low scores on national assessments and struggles with teacher shortages and funding.

* West Virginia: Faces challenges similar to Mississippi, including funding issues and low teacher salaries.

* Louisiana: Often lags behind in educational outcomes and faces significant disparities in achievement.

* Arizona: While not always in the absolute bottom five, it often scores poorly in various metrics and experiences significant achievement gaps.

It's crucial to remember these rankings are snapshots in time and are based on specific data points. A state's ranking can fluctuate year to year, and many factors beyond simple test scores contribute to a state's overall educational quality. Furthermore, different ranking systems weigh different factors (like graduation rates, test scores, funding levels, and equity) differently, leading to variations in the rankings.