State superintendent touts gains under Michigan's Top 10 strategic plan; House analyst outlines MDE budget

LANSING, Mich. ' Dr. Michael Rice, state superintendent of the Michigan Department of Education, told the House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid and Department of Education on March 11 that Michigan has made historic gains on several metrics in its Top 10 strategic education plan but needs additional, recurring funding to sustain progress.

Rice presented statewide data showing higher graduation and postsecondary credential rates, increased career and technical education (CTE) participation and gains in Advanced Placement (AP) access and scores. He urged lawmakers to approve executive budget requests including $20 million for CTE equipment upgrades and a broader $125 million, five'year proposal to reduce CTE opportunity gaps.

"Our 2024 four'year graduation rate improved to the highest level in state history," Rice said, noting the rate rose from 80.6 percent when Rep. Kelly last served in the Legislature to 82.8 percent currently. He highlighted a 51.8 percent share of adults with postsecondary credentials (the governor's "60 by 30" goal), record CTE completer totals (52,625, up 19 percent in three years) and increases in AP participation and performance.

Rice said AP participation is up 21 percent in the number of students taking at least one AP exam and the number of AP tests taken is up 26 percent; students scoring 3'5 increased 31…