LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A new report says Michigan lags the rest of the nation in math and reading proficiency for young children.
The report released Tuesday by the Annie E. Casey Foundation says 71 percent of Michigan fourth-graders aren't proficient in reading and 71 percent of eighth-graders aren't proficient in math. More than half of young children aren't in preschool.
The Baltimore-based foundation uses those measures to rank Michigan 40th in the nation for childhood education.
The group says that reading and math proficiency are key indicators of educational success.
The report says fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade math proficiency have improved across the country.
The Michigan Department of Education released the following statement to FOX 17:
"The initiative to make Michigan a Top 10 education state in 10 years has been in progress since last fall, with input from educators, businesses, and parents. A set of goals and strategies to implement are in place and our collective efforts can help place Michigan children on a path of greater academic achievement and success." Bill DiSessa, MDE Communications
In response to the report, the Governor's office released this statement to FOX 17:
“Governor Snyder will continue his efforts to improve education for all students in Michigan. In the fiscal year 2017 budget, we’re increasing K-12 per pupil funding by $60 to $120 for schools across the state and allocating resources for our third-grade reading initiative. In fact – since fiscal year 2011 - state K-12 funding has increased by $1.4 billion. The governor has also made early childhood education a priority, increasing funding for Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program by nearly $150 million over the past six years.
These resources will help ensure all Michigan students have an opportunity for long-term success by being able to meet the challenges of a global economy.” Josh Paciorek, Deputy Press Secretary
