Education Week’s new annual report, Quality Counts 2012, compares states across the nation on funding, student achievement, teacher development, accountability, graduation rates and equity.

The results are disheartening. Utah schools have slipped from 41st in the nation to 42nd with an overall grade of C-. This is unacceptable and must change.

Utahns are proud to rank No. 1 in business. Much effort is focused on top rankings in economic development, tourism, science, technology, research, volunteerism, etc. It’s time to add public education to that list, to set a goal to see that Utah schools are also ranked No. 1. Our students deserve the very best schools in the nation.

Legislators will sponsor many education bills in the upcoming 2012 session.

The “Best Schools Coalition,” a group of Democratic senators and representatives, has put together the “Best Schools Initiative,” a package of education bills to reduce class sizes in kindergarten through third grade, improve college and career readiness, enhance development and mentoring for teachers, remove incompetent teachers from the classroom, strengthen curriculum, increase family and community involvement and provide additional funding that will not raise taxes.

The coalition believes students deserve great teachers. We believe teachers deserve greater respect and support, increased opportunities for professional development and better pay. Incompetent teachers must be removed from the classroom.

The coalition also believes that Utah’s schools should have smaller classes where students can receive the individualized attention they need, especially in the early grades. Every child should be taught to read on grade level by the end of third grade and must learn basic math skills before leaving elementary school.

A world-class curriculum is necessary in order to provide students with a wide variety of opportunities to develop lifelong skills and reach their highest potential. Increased family and community involvement are vital to strengthening neighborhood schools.

The coalition has innovative ways to provide resources for these proposals without raising taxes. As our economy turns around, it would also be wise to protect growth in the education fund to address these critical areas.

Throughout Utah’s history, education has been a high priority, even during the most difficult times. We must continue that legacy.

Not only will a top-quality education ensure higher student achievement and a brighter future for every child, it will bring in new jobs, attract businesses and strengthen Utah’s economy for years to come.

Please join with the “Best Schools Coalition” to see that Utah’s schools are the best in the nation.

Karen W. Morgan, D-Salt Lake, is the minority whip in the Utah Senate.