Michigan Grad Rates Reach Record High; More Work Ahead to Close Opportunity Gaps
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) celebrated a record high 4-year high school graduation rate of 84%. While this progress is promising, state leaders have more work to do to ensure all students are college- and career-ready.
Graduation rates among students with the greatest needs remain stubbornly lower than the state average:
- Black students: 76%
- Latino students: 80%
- Students from low-income backgrounds: 75%
- English learners: 78%
- Students with disabilities: 62%
Improving graduation rates for all Michigan students is important because high school graduation is linked to a number of positive life outcomes, including higher income, reduced risk of health conditions later in life, and increased life expectancy.
It’s important to note, however, that graduation rates are just one of many indicators of how well Michigan is preparing its students to be college- and career-ready. Concerningly, SAT performance among 11th grade students suggests that many high schoolers are not demonstrating college readiness. Only 55 percent of Michigan students taking the SAT met the benchmark for reading and writing, and only 27 percent of those students met the benchmark for math.
Another important element of college- and career-readiness is access to rigorous and career-relevant coursework, including access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and career and technical education (CTE) pathways. Research shows that when students are given access to advanced coursework, it leads to increased engagement, fewer absences and suspensions, and higher graduation rates, opening opportunities for post-secondary success.
As school aid budget deliberations continue, state leaders should continue to invest in our schools, particularly those that serve high concentrations of students from low-income backgrounds, English learners and students with disabilities; develop research-backed policies to address our state’s early reading crisis; and support strategies to close opportunity gaps that leave too many students unprepared for college and career.
EdTrust-Midwest and partners are advocating for increased weighted funding for students from low-income backgrounds, students with disabilities and English Leaners to close these achievement gaps, so all students are well prepared after graduation. Read more about our recommendations here.
