Michigan's public schools face the nation's worst decline in state education funding, according to a report from Michigan State University.
Funding has fallen more sharply than any other state over the past 25 years.
According to the report, educators have been forced to meet rising academic standards with inadequate finances.
Research shows that schools could get the money needed if lawmakers devoted the same share of the economy to support education like it was done ten years ago.
The study found that total revenue for Michigan schools has declined by 30 percent since 2002.
“Michigan has tried to improve schools on the cheap, focusing on more accountability and school choice,” said David Arsen, MSU professor of education policy and lead author of the study, in a release. “To make those policies effective, they have to be matched with adequate funding. We have been kidding ourselves to think we can move forward while cutting funding for schools.
For more information, view the report
here.
