Per-pupil spending in Oklahoma

Daniel G. Thatcher, a policy specialist with the National Conference of State Legislatures, recently testified before the Oklahoma Senate Education Committee, Barbara Hoberock reports.

He said based on fiscal year 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data, per pupil spending nationally was $10,615. Oklahoma ranked 48th out of 51 states, spending $7,896, he said.

But when the figure was adjusted for comparable wages, the state fared better, spending $9,390 and ranking 41st out of 51.

When the figure included comparable wages and money the state spends on prekindergarten, Oklahoma ranked 29th out 51 states, spending $10,950, Thatcher said.