I'd be interested in seeing some other statistics such as population density, median income, and cost of living.

One of the first things I notice is that some of the less densely populated states have a lower percentage. Were they less densely populated and less rural with easier access to social services I think the numbers would be fairly even.

I was on free or reduced meals until after I entered high school as well. I won't disagree that income plays a part but I don't think that it is a major factor in the overall decline where I'm living.

My son went to the same school's I did. I cannot believe the difference in curriculum. It will be even more interesting when my granddaughter starts at the same school. As a matter of fact, my father, aunts, uncles, & cousins went to the same schools.

They start using calculators in elementary school as soon as they learn to count and recognize numbers. As soon as a student can read "well enough" they start learning to take and pass the state tests. There's less actual time spent learning and exploring subjects as opposed to learning by rote.

I'm not saying poverty isn't a problem, but there are other issues that have hampered education. And in turn, perpetuate and worsen the economic situation of the future generation.