The National Education Association says Wyoming spent $15,997 per public school student in 2011, ranking the state fifth among states in school spending. But a recent Harvard study ranked Wyoming 24th out of 41 states studied in growth measured by student scores on a national assessment. Harvard researcher Paul Peterson says Wyoming has increased the amount of money it has put into its public education system over the last 20 years more than any other state in the country, except New York. But he says the test scores show the state isn't getting much for that money. The Wyoming Legislature is undertaking a major education reform effort in the hopes of improving student performance.

More From KGAB