LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- A new national report says just one in three children has the necessary cognitive skills by third grade to become a successful adult.
The report is based on a long-term study of 13,000 kids who were in kindergarten 15 years ago. It found that 36 percent of third-graders were on track in cognitive knowledge and skills area, with worse results for low-income and minority kids.
Michigan tracks closely with the national average with 61 percent of low-income kids not enrolled in preschool.
The Kids Count in Michigan project says Michigan should consider boosting cash assistance, food stamps and child reimbursement to low-income families. Michigan significantly raised funding for a preschool program for disadvantaged 4-year-olds this year, but the Michigan League for Public Policy says funding for 0-3 programs is weak.