Chart: Disparities in Michigan's top-performing schools
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The demographics of Michigan's top-performing high schools in U.S. News and World Report differ significantly from the state's overall student makeup, per local demographer Kurt Metzger — especially when it comes to Black and Asian students.
Just a fourth or less of the students at seven of the 10 schools are considered "economically disadvantaged," the Free Press reported. Meanwhile, across Michigan, 54% of students are seen as economically disadvantaged.
- The rankings are often criticized for giving badges to wealthy districts with stronger tax bases.
What they're saying: Analyzing schools by their socioeconomic composition and educational outcomes is important to show state leaders what's needed to close achievement gaps, Metzger, founder of Data Driven Detroit, tells Axios. Michigan is failing its students, he adds, especially students of color.
- "And we know Michigan's education … is one of the biggest problems for Michigan to attract people or grow."
Go deeper: Inequities remain in Michigan schools long after Brown v. Board