Madison schools of Lenawee County have been recognized as Michigan’s Academic State Champs according to recent Bridge Magazine rankings. A national study by Stanford University involved millions of students from more than 500 public school districts across Michigan. The study measured increases in academic performance in connection with socioeconomic data, including household income, family structure, and family education.
The results of the study ultimately concluded that “poverty clearly does not determine the quality of a school system,” explains Sean Reardon, a Stanford University researcher, in an interview with Bridge Magazine. Historically, poverty has been a reliable predictor of academic success. Students in wealthy districts tend to have higher test scores than students in poor districts, simply because they start out ahead.
The new research from Sanford University challenges this belief, concluding that students in poor districts are learning and progressing a the same rate as students in wealthy districts. Madison schools of Lenawee County performed exceptionally well, showing dramatic improvements in test scores among third graders. One-fifth of families in this district live in poverty, yet these students boosted their scores from a half-grade below average to a half-grade above average by third grade. This success is directly linked to a strategic increase in maximizing time with students. “We don’t waste a half hour,” explains superintendent Ryan Rowe.
From kindergarten through 12th grade, all 1,600 students follow a team approach. Heavy focus revolves around literacy, academic rigor, innovation, and personal attention. Students are encouraged to move forward at their own pace so the curriculum is maintainable yet challenging. The team approach allows students to feel connected with their peers whether they are taking individual classes ahead or behind other students.
Madison schools have been named an Academic State Champ by Bridge Magazine in previous years and is a popular choice among students in Michigan’s schools of choice program. So popular in fact, Madison is at full capacity, drawing nearly half of its students from neighboring districts.
Congratulations to Madison schools. We are proud to have such a dedicated team of educators in our community shaping the future success of our students. Click here to read the full article from Bridge Magazine.