LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The number of K-12 students in Michigan defined as “at-risk” has increased from about 490,000 in 2000 to 730,000 in 2024, according to the Senate Fiscal Agency. There are about 1.4 million students in K-12 schools.

That’s important because schools get more money if they have more at-risk students.

History of the funding.

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In 2014-15, the state dispensed $309 million to K-12 school districts to help better educate what it defines as “at-risk” students. That “at-risk” funding has increased to $952 million in 2023-24, a 134% increase when adjusted for inflation.

The definition for an “at-risk” students includes may different variables, including: Economically disadvantaged; English language learner; chronically absent; victim of child abuse or neglect; pregnant teenager or teenage parent; in a family with history of school failure, incarceration, or substance abuse; migrant who has immigrated within the past three years; continuing in school after not completing high school within four years; not proficient in the English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies content areas of the state summative assessment; at risk of not meeting core academic curricular objectives in English language arts or mathematics as demonstrated on local assessments.

Students defined as “at-risk” perform very poorly academically, according to state data.

Tracking academic progress.

The state of Michigan uses 3rd grade reading and 8th grade math as two standard measurements of academic progress.

The chart below shows the percent of 3rd grade and 8th grade students labeled as “at risk” that were proficient in reading and math in 2024-25.

Detroit Public Schools Community District
3rd Grade Reading: 11.7%
8th Grade Math: 9.6%

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Lansing School District
3rd Grade Reading: 19.2%
8th Grade Math: 6.6%

Flint School District
3rd Grade Reading: 6.2%
8th Grade Math: <5%

Grand Rapids Public Schools
3rd Grade Reading: 14.7%
8th Grade Math: 10.1%

Saginaw School District:
3rd Grade Reading: 14.4%
8th Grade Math: 8.3%

Pontiac School District
3rd Grade Reading: 11.9%
8th Grade Math: 5.2%