Michigan K-12 Science Scores Improve, but Gap Between White/Black Students Labeled "Woeful"

Michigan students are making gains in science on a national exam, scoring above the national average, state educators said.

But an education advocacy group says the state has more work to do with black and low-income students who “remain woefully behind their white and more affluent peers.”

National Assessment of Educational Progress scores released Thursday show state eighth-graders showed Michigan students are ranked 16th in the country, up from being ranked 23rd in 2009.

Only three states – South Caroline, Colorado and Mississippi – had larger gains.

“Michigan's significantly improved scores are likely a result of our dedicated science teachers helping students learn more difficult information,” state Superintendent Mike Flanagan said in a release.

http://www.mlive.com/education/index.ssf/2012/05/michigan_students_scoring_high.html