Stats that Stick: February 8, 2012

Thanks to Digital Learning Day, Stats that Stick took a hiatus last week. But we're back with more education facts to satisfy your thirst for knowledge.

Percent of New Yorkers who disapprove of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's handling of public schools: 44.

According to a new poll by Quinnipiac University, residents of New York City are more likely to trust teachers' unions rather than the mayor to advocate for students. Although respondents, in general, support the mayor’s proposals for higher salaries and teacher evaluations and removal, only 24 percent of respondents described the mayor's take-over of public schools as a success.

Number of states (of 37 surveyed) that plan to increase funding for K-12 education in 2012: 20.

As reported by Stateline, education funding received an increase of $1.2 billion last year. This year at least 20 states intend to increase funding.  Only 5 states will seek to cut spending in education. Many governors in their state of the state addresses declared that increased education spending was a top priority for the upcoming fiscal year.

Amount of dollars in bonuses the city of Boston paid to teachers and classroom aides at struggling schools: 400,000

It is a first for the Massachusetts school district, Boston awarded teachers and aids at 12 struggling schools a total of $400,000 in bonuses for stellar performance and improvements of students. This is a part of an experimental program but the superintendent of Boston hopes these efforts will carry over into a scaled salary system that will reward teachers for exceptional performance.

Percent of American students who fail to graduate on time: 25

The graduation rate is a cause for concern for the President as well as many state governors and local lawmakers. It is an issue the Alliance remains committed to addressing. President Obama wants to tackle the problem head-on by raising the federal drop out age to 18. Thus, the law would require all minors to stay in school until they earn a high school diploma or reach age 18, whichever comes first.