New report highlights pandemic exaggerated inequalities in state education

Michigan students are sliding or stagnating on education trends, according to an Education Trust-Midwest report.

exterior of an administrative office building with a sign that reads, "Dearborn Schools Administrative Service Center."

Dearborn Schools Administrative Service Center.

Education Trust-Midwest, an education research and advocacy organization, reports that Michigan school districts with high concentrations of students from low-income homes saw students lose the equivalent of about a year or more of learning.

Students are also struggling on tests. In fourth-grade reading, the state ranks 43rd and is projected to remain there in 2030.

The same report predicts that Michigan’s academic rankings will decline or stagnate by 2030 in areas like math and reading.

“In Detroit and in many school districts, there are only so many people that you can hire to provide the extra help that students need.” — Lori Higgins, reporter


Listen: What needs to happen to help the most vulnerable students in the state.


Guest

Lori Higgins is the Chalkbeat Detroit bureau chief. She recently wrote the piece, “Michigan students are struggling. A new report calls for fair funding to reverse the slide.”

Higgins says school districts have a hard time hiring counseling supports they need because money they have will run up, and they won’t be able to sustain the new staff member they had brought on.

“In Detroit and in many school districts, there are only so many people that you can hire to provide the extra help that students need,” she says.

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