LANSING -- Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder changed course Thursday -- from massive cuts in his 2011 proposal to requests for modest spending increases for some departments in 2012.

"Good budgeting isn't about giving a little bit to everyone so you really don't accomplish anything," said Snyder on Thursday to the state legislature. "It's about taking all those requests together and prioritizing on things that can really make a difference."

The governor focused his sights on, among other issues, education, calling for:

-A $200 million (1 percent) increase in funding for K-12 schools

-A 3 percent increase in funding for public universities

-A 3 percent increase for community colleges

In all three categories, though, the governor cautioned: You'll only get those funds if you meet certain standards.

"We're 21st in per-pupil expenditures; we're 35th or 39th in results when you're talking about math or reading," the governor said. "The system doesn't work today."

Among other things, universities will need to keep tuition increases below 4 percent, and public K-12 schools will have to meet five of the following six criteria:

-Publish a citizen's dashboard
-Serve as the policy holder for health care benefits
-Participate in schools of choice
-Monitor student growth in each subject area at least twice a year
-Offer dual enrollment or AP courses
-Offer online or blended learning

Democrats worry those criteria could leave some struggling schools holding the bag. They also argue the 1 percent increase for K-12 and 3 percent for higher education don't go far enough after last year's 6 percent cut to K-12, and 15 percent to public universities.

"I'm very concerned about those incentives obviously," said state Rep. Joan Bauer, D-Lansing. "I need to look carefully at them. What do they mean for an urban school district, like mine in Lansing? What do they mean to all school districts?"