Michigan

"Because there is a relationship between economic advantage and student performance, students of disadvantaged households are more likely to develop feelings of apathy. This is a major problem facing our institution, especially as 20% of American children are living in poverty. The level of achievement required of all students - including those in poverty - places a lot of pressure on schools."

"A House panel has approved legislation that would strip some welfare benefits for families whose children don't meet school attendance requirements."

"According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities analysis, the biggest cuts - $27.3 million statewide - would come from federal dollars meant for programs that support students at risk of not graduating high school. Rocho said those dollars fund initiatives like curriculum coaches who help teachers focus on struggling kids in an attempt to close the achievement gaps between white and minority students and between low-income and more affluent kids."

"Colleges in West Michigan could be out tens of thousands of dollars in financial aid next school year if across-the-board federal spending cuts -- known as the sequester -- take effect Friday, according to a new report."

"However, the so-called achievement gap -- the gap between white and middle-class students compared to low-income and minority students -- widened slightly as the former groups had bigger gains than the latter."

"In the Bridge Magazine analysis, the school had the largest value-added matrix (VAM) in Genesee County. Bridge used the VAM to determine its 2012 Academic State Champs. Bridge Magazine is celebrating schools that are finding ways to push learning through the socioeconomic ceiling."