Lofty national ranking is reason to celebrate

So often the state of Tennessee is ranked near the bottom of national lists.

We?re 47th when it comes to high school graduation rate. Only four states have a worse infant mortality rate than Tennessee. The relative health of our residents lags near the back of the pack at 48th.

But alas, there is cause for celebration. In a report released Thursday by the federal government, Tennessee is one of only four states to gain full approval for its No Child Left Behind testing program. Tennessee joins Oklahoma, Maryland and West Virginia as the only states to receive this distinction.

For a state that hasn?t traditionally ranked among the nation?s elite when it comes to educational vigor, this is welcome news. It says our local and state educators have stepped up to the challenge and met the rigorous guidelines mandated by our president.

What this means is Tennessee is not at risk for losing any federal funding dollars. States which don?t meet the No Child Left Behind testing guidelines risk exactly that fate ? and that can mean losing anywhere from $40,000 to over $1 million in federal dollars.

While it?s doubtful the federal government will actually go through with its threat and reduce a state?s educational funding, there are 34 states that would like to be in Tennessee?s shoes right now. Those 34 states have fallen short of meeting guidelines and they now have to scramble to resubmit their testing plans and their schedule for making necessary changes.

Tennessee, meanwhile, can sit back and relax knowing its No Child Left Behind testing is among the best in the nation.

It?s not often this state can waltz to the head of the class and be mentioned as a glowing example of achievement. When it does happen, we should take pride in this accomplishment.

Congratulations to all the local and state educators who played a role in pushing Tennessee to the top.