Selected Michigan Literacy Facts

Selected Michigan Literacy Facts*

6 to 8% of adults in Michigan (approximately 500,000 people age 18 or older have less than a 9th grade education. (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1990)
23.2% of Michigan adults, age 25 and over have not graduated from high school. (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1990)
More than 25,000 students drop out of school each year in Michigan. (Michigan League for Human Services)
In 1990, Michigan ranked 24th among all states for its education expenditures; 25th among all states in its rate of literacy, and 18th among all states in dropout rates (29.9%). (U.S. Census, 1990 and the National Center for Education Statistics)
In 1990, 10% of all Michigan students were enrolled in special education programs. (Michigan League for Human Services)
By age 15-17, 35% of all students are enrolled below their appropriate grade level. Each year, nearly 22,000 students in grades 9-12 are required to repeat or are "retained" in a grade. (Michigan League for Human Services)
*From information compiled by:

Michigan Literacy Inc.
c/o Library of Michigan
P.O. Box 30007
Lansing, MI 48909-7505