News Summary
Kent County, Michigan, is grappling with educational challenges, as 21 out of 228 schools are identified as low-performing. This situation has sparked conversations among parents and educators about necessary resources and support for improvement. The Michigan Department of Education’s watch list highlights schools needing intervention, with some requiring comprehensive support while others are flagged for targeted assistance. This ongoing issue emphasizes the urgent need for community involvement to ensure quality education for all students.
Kent County Faces Educational Challenges with Low-Performing Schools
In the bustling region of Kent County, Michigan, the educational landscape is showing some concerning trends. According to a recent report by the Michigan Department of Education, a significant number of schools, specifically 21 out of 228, have been identified as some of the lowest-performing institutions in the state. This news has parents, educators, and community members talking as they reflect on the support and resources needed to lift these schools back on their feet.
Understanding the Watch List
So, what exactly does it mean to be on the Michigan state watch list? The MDE compiles this list based on its Michigan School Index, which evaluates schools on various performance metrics such as student growth, proficiency, graduation rates, and testing participation. Schools that end up on this watch list fall into specific categories, and the ones in Kent County span across both traditional districts and charter programs.
Overall, about 9.6% of Kent County schools required some level of support during the current 2023-24 school year. Among these, 4.4% are in dire need of what’s termed “comprehensive support and improvement” (CSI). This designation indicates that these schools rank within the lowest-performing 5% statewide or struggle with exceptionally low graduation rates, receiving three years of focused assistance to help improve their performance.
Spotlight on Kent County Schools
Three schools from the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) system are included on the CSI list: Ottawa Hills High School, Alger Middle School, and Campus Elementary. Additionally, two buildings from Godfrey Lee Public Schools, namely Lee Middle School and East Lee Campus, also find their names on the watch list. This raises eyebrows regarding the academic health of these institutions and the potential struggles that students and educators are facing daily.
Schools Requiring Targeted Support
There are different levels of support needed for schools, including those requiring “targeted support and improvement” (TSI). From the latest available data, about 1.3% of schools in Kent County are flagged for this status, focused on addressing specific student groups that may be underperforming. Wyoming Public Schools’ Junior High School and GRPS’ Westwood Middle School are two notable schools that are currently on the TSI list.
It is also worth mentioning that East Leonard Elementary School was previously on the TSI list but unfortunately closed its doors in 2024 due to low enrollment—a decision that highlights the ongoing challenges schools face in maintaining student engagement and numbers.
Additional Support Measures
Lastly, an additional 3.9% of schools are requiring “additional targeted support” (ATS), which allows these institutions six years of support to address issues impacting specific student subgroups. This category includes seven schools from GRPS, with Riverside Middle School and a handful of alternative education programs among them.
The Road Ahead
With these developments, there is a palpable sense of urgency around improving educational outcomes for students in Kent County. The challenges posed by low rankings on the Michigan School Index not only impact teachers and administrators but profoundly affect the students who walk through the school doors every day. It’s essential for communities to rally around these schools to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
As Kent County navigates this educational landscape, stakeholders are posed with the question of how to support these low-performing institutions effectively, ensuring that every student has access to quality education and the tools needed for future success.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- MLive: Kent County Marijuana Tax Revenue
- News Break: KCPs Teachers Certification
- Wood TV: School Safety Radio Network
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Cannabis Tax Revenue
- MLive: Kent County Schools Watch List
- Wikipedia: Education in Michigan
- Google Search: Kent County School Performance
- Google Scholar: Kent County Education Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kent County, Michigan
- Google News: Kent County School Updates
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
