By Erin Dietzer, Holland Sentinel
June 22, 2018
LANSING — Over 30 partners from the business, education, philanthropic, state and community sectors have teamed up for “Launch Michigan” to strengthen the public education system in Michigan.
The initiative was unveiled in a press conference on Wednesday, June 20, at the Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing. Both education and business leaders said a strong, thriving public education system is the cornerstone for helping Michigan’s children succeed in school, careers and life as well as building robust communities and an economy that works for everyone.
Last year, the Annie E. Casey Foundation ranked Michigan 41st in education out of the 50 states in its annual Kids Count report. According to the report, 71 percent of eighth-graders are performing below proficiency in math and 71 percent of fourth graders are reading below proficiency. The only education indicator where Michigan improved was in more high school students graduating on time.