Michigan State University researchers are examining the state's support for rural students, particularly in reading. Michigan ranks 44th in the country for fourth-grade reading, with only 24% of students reading at grade level. Rural school districts cover a significant portion of the state's land area and comprise about 40% of all school districts.

However, they serve less than a third of Michigan's K-12 students. Further details on the researchers' findings and concerns about rural students are available from the source, including a breakdown of reading levels among economically disadvantaged students.