KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A new education dashboard says Kalamazoo Public Schools performs well behind similar districts in math and reading proficiency, as well as graduation rates.
Launch Michigan, a nonprofit organization that says it’s reimagining Michigan’s public education system, Thursday released a dashboard with first-of-its-kind analysis showing how Michigan school districts compare to similar districts in top-performing states.
Launch Michigan compared districts to those in other states based on key characteristics like district size, socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity demographics, language learners and students with disabilities, among others.
The comparison tool shows only 30% of Kalamazoo Public Schools students showed math proficiency, compared to 42% for similar districts. The gap was similar for reading proficiency, with KPS at 39% but similar districts at 52%. The survey said “Best in Nation” schools were 92% for math and 93% for reading.
The report says 27% of Kalamazoo Public Schools students didn’t graduate, compared to 16% for similar districts.
Kalamazoo is not alone with low numbers in the survey. Launch Michigan says seven out of eight Michigan districts do worse than national comparison districts in math, 70% of Michigan districts underperform in reading compared to similar districts in top-performing states, and 71% of Michigan districts underperform their national comparison districts in graduation rate.
Brian Calley, president and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan and Launch Michigan board member said, “Michigan’s underperformance in key areas such as math and reading underscores the urgency of our situation.”
Jeff Donofrio, president and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan and chair of the Launch Michigan board said, “Parents and educators are working hard to help our kids reach their full potential, but the system was designed for a different time. The data shows the urgent need for reinvention of Michigan’s public K-12 system, which includes strong, accountable leadership, equitable resources, and world-class performance standards.”
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