A new report says Michigan lags the rest of the nation in math and reading proficiency for young children.
The report released Tuesday by the Annie E. Casey Foundation says 71 percent of Michigan fourth-graders aren't proficient in reading and 71 percent of eight-graders aren't proficient in math. More than half of young children aren't in preschool.
The Baltimore-based foundation uses those measures to rank Michigan 40th in the nation for childhood education.
The group says reading and math proficiency are key indicators of educational success.
The report says fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade math proficiency have improved across the country.
