Statement from The Education Trust-Midwest on Gov. Whitmer’s 2023-24 budget proposal

The Education Trust-Midwest is pleased that Gov. Whitmer’s 2023-24 budget proposes to address Michigan students’ unfinished learning and pandemic educational recovery efforts through investments in evidence-based practices to address unfinished learning, such as targeted, intensive tutoring.

“We applaud Gov. Whitmer for a fiscal year ’24 budget that demonstrates a strong commitment to investing in public education — particularly for students who faced significant unfinished learning following the pandemic — so that all students have the opportunity not only to catch up but accelerate,” said Amber Arellano, executive director of the Education Trust-Midwest. “Research is clear that targeted intensive tutoring is an evidence-based practice that can help students recover educationally and reach high standards.”

“We are encouraged by the Governor’s additional investments for students from low-income backgrounds, English Learners and students with disabilities; more funding to address food insecurity for children across the state; support for more Michiganders to have the opportunity for post-secondary education through the Michigan Reconnect Program; and investments to expand preschool.”

Targeted intensive tutoring, also called high-dosage tutoring, involves a trained tutor meeting two to three times a week with students for an extended period of time throughout a school year. In the most effective versions, an individual tutor works with one or two students at a time, using a skill-building curriculum closely aligned with the math or reading curriculum used throughout the school and targeted to the student’s academic needs.  More than a decade of research shows the most effective tutoring programs provide two to three or more time periods of tutoring per week by a trained tutor — and provide the tutoring in person.

“We are committed to partnering with Gov. Whitmer and policymakers on both sides of the aisle to ensure much more fair, equitable school funding policies are pursued in the coming months and years, as well as best practices, strong statewide implementation, and effective use of state dollars so all students have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”    

Below are some additional highlights of education priorities in the proposed budget:

• Total funding of $25 billion for K-12 education with $18 billion from the School Aid Fund, and $74 million from the state’s general fund for fiscal year 2024; additionally the proposed budget includes $991 million in supplemental funding in fiscal year 2023.
• $614 million to support school operations through a 5% increase in the base per-pupil that equates to an additional $458 per student, for a total of $9,608 per pupil.
• $79.9 million to continue expanded support for students with disabilities – a 12.5% increase in the current allocation.
• 5% increase in funding to support students considered academically “at-risk,” English language learners, and students in rural school districts. For students who qualify for “at-risk” funding, which includes students who are from low-income backgrounds, specifically, there is a proposed $64.7 million increase, for a total of $812.2 million, in funding.
• $300 million for use for the MI Kids Back on Track tutoring program, expanding tutoring opportunities for students who have experienced unfinished learning during the pandemic.
• $160 million to provide free breakfast and lunch for the state’s 1.4 million public school children.
• Additional one-time funding for more Michiganders to have the opportunity for post-secondary education through the Michigan Reconnect Program by temporarily expanding eligibility from 25 to 21-years-old. This tuition-free degree or skills certificate aims to increase the number of adults in the state with a postsecondary degree or credential to 60% by 2030.
• $257.3 million toward the goal of offering universal preschool to all of Michigan’s 4-year-olds through the expansion of the Great Start Readiness Program.