With school set to start later this month, numerous parents may be wondering whether or not the school district they live in will prepare their children for academic success. In light of the coming back-to-school season, WalletHub’s analysts compared the quality of education in the 50 states and the District of Columbia to shine the spotlight on top-performing school systems. Professor Emeritus Walter Feinberg, formerly of the Department of Education Policy, Organization & Leadership, lent his thoughts to the matter in a brief question-and-answer session.

Among his views:

• Variation in per pupil spending is important but more of a symptom than a cause when it comes to variation in school quality.
• Teachers should be trained to understand children and the community they live in.
• The most important elements of a child’s success are good schools, safe neighborhoods with good facilities, and well-paying jobs.
• The top five indicators of best and worst school systems include available health and dental services; well trained, respected teachers; strong after-school community programs; and a policy of inclusion

Read the full Q&A with Feinberg.