New labels to rank state's school achievement

LANSING (AP) -- State education officials are using three new designations to rank academic achievement at schools across Michigan. Officials released report cards for schools last Thursday and said schools are listed under Reward, Priority and Focus categories. There are 286 schools under the Reward category. They include the top 5 percent in annual rankings and the top 5 percent making the greatest progress over four years. The state says 358 with wide achievement gaps between students are identified as Focus Schools. Another 146 are designated as Priority and include the bottom 5 percent in annual rankings and high schools with graduation rates under 60 percent for three consecutive years. More than 260 districts failed to make annual yearly progress last year. Nearly 60 Detroit schools are designated as Priority Schools. Published: Mon, Aug 6, 2012