An honest look at public education in Michigan reveals both hopeful and dismal news. While their state has taken a few bold steps in the past year to improve their education system, their students still lag far behind their peers nationally, and the performance gaps between them -- across income level and race -- are both alarming and persistent. Michigan cannot rebound economically if all their students are not prepared to participate fully in the global economy. To increase performance levels, policymakers and educators will need to: (1) Set high expectations for curriculum, instruction, and achievement; (2) Support and provide honest feedback to Michigan teachers; (3) Improve low-performing schools across the state; and (4) Build strong support and accountability systems for all Michigan schools. Michigan's students are falling behind their peers across the nation because their schools are not preparing them for success. Even as parents must recommit to helping their children succeed in school, state political and education leaders must offer the leadership and resources needed to turn around student performance. The Education Trust-Midwest is a team of passionate Michiganders who care deeply about Michigan. They are committed to an education agenda that will make Michigan a Great Education State as well. This report offers a road map to help Michigan get there.