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How Minnesota and Michigan students compare on the NAEP


Michigan vs Minnesota

Michigan and Minnesota spend roughly the same amount per pupil, and yet the performance of Minnesota students on national tests is far superior to that of Michigan students, including low-income students. Proponents of the Minnesota system note that the North Star state budgets its money differently. Below, how students in the two states stack up on the NAEP, often called the nation’s report card.

4th grade math

8th grade math

All studentsAll students
Poor* studentsPoor students
Not poorNot poor
Black studentsBlack students
White studentsWhite students

4th grade reading

8th grade reading

All studentsAll students
Poor* studentsPoor students
Not poorNot poor
Black studentsBlack students
White studentsWhite students

Source: National Assessment of Educational Progress.

* Note: Students identified as poor are those eligible for a free or reduced lunch. Those identified as “not poor” are all other students.

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