Standard & Poor's this week released its second comprehensive analysis of Michigan's K-12 education system. The report, reviewing both academic and financial data from districts in the state, covers a five year period: 1996-97 through 2000-01. It underscores the fact that higher spending doesn't always translate into greater student success; of the Michigan districts that spend more per pupil than the state average, half had below-average passing rates on the state assessment; half the districts with below-average spending had above average passing rates.
"Good scores don't always cost," by Peggy Walsh-Sarnecki and Lori Higgins, Detroit Free Press, February 4, 2003
"Standard & Poor's New Statewide Insights Tells "The Whole Story" about Michigan Schools," press release, February 3, 2003