Education Week ranks VA schools No. 4

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Education Week ranks Virginia's schools fourth in its annual rankings of the nation's school systems.

Virginia received an overall B with a score of 82.9 in the magazine's "Quality Counts 2013" report released Thursday. The national grade was a C-plus.

The annual report graded the states and the District of Columbia in six areas of policy and performance.

Virginia received an A in standards, assessments and accountability. The report gave the state a B in transitions and alignment, which includes early childhood education.  

Virginia also received a B in chance for success, a B- in the teaching professions, a C-plus in school finance and a C in student achievement.

Gov. Bob McDonnell says Virginia must continue efforts to ensure that all students are prepared for the jobs of the future.