Farmington Public Schools in Michigan reports better student performance after introducing Wit and Wisdom for reading and Illustrative Math for K-12. The district is also expanding student wellness support for the new school year.
Farmington Public Schools is seeing improvements in student reading and math after introducing new instructional programs and expanding wellness support. As the 2024-25 school year begins, district leaders say these changes are already helping students in Farmington and Farmington Hills, which are both served by the district under the Farmington Public Schools Board of Education.
Superintendent Kelly Coffin said the district's adoption of Wit and Wisdom-a curriculum that combines reading with social studies and science-has led to higher reading scores. Assessments show that student performance has either stayed the same or improved since the program began last year, with no reported declines. Teachers use weekly reading assessments in lower grades and three NWEA MAP tests each year to track progress and adjust instruction. The district is also continuing its Elementary Reading Initiative, and spokesperson Robert Taboada confirmed that mClass is still used for reading checks to support student growth (Tri-Cities Record News).
Math and life skills
Alongside reading, Farmington Public Schools has rolled out Illustrative Math for all K-12 students over the past two years. The program connects math concepts to real-world problem-solving and includes a focus on reading skills. Coffin noted that students are looking for more practical knowledge, so the curriculum now includes financial literacy through real-life examples to help prepare them for life after graduation. For math diagnostics, the district uses SpringMath, which provides individualized, non-AI assessments to track progress and protect student privacy.
With these programs in place, teachers have started the school year with a clear plan. The district's approach is meant to help students meet academic goals and build skills they can use in future education or careers. The Farmington Public Schools Board of Education reviews curriculum effectiveness and student achievement data at regular public meetings, following Oakland County and State of Michigan standards.
Expanded student wellness support
Beyond academics, Farmington Public Schools is putting more focus on student wellness. Each elementary school now has a staff member dedicated to supporting students' social and emotional needs. At the secondary level, the district has added more social work services, and every middle and high school has counselors available. Coffin said it is important to create an inclusive environment where every student feels seen and supported. The district shares updates and wellness initiatives through its official news portal.
Board of Education President Donald Walker outlined the district's ongoing priorities: student achievement, oversight, accountability, fiscal stewardship, and resource alignment. The board is also working to fill two open seats, with onboarding expected in January. Walker said the main challenge is preparing students for a range of post-graduation paths-college, technical education, entrepreneurship, or military service-while managing available resources. The City of Farmington and City of Farmington Hills both work with the district on community education and youth services to meet local needs.
Assessment and accountability
Farmington Public Schools uses the NWEA MAP assessment three times a year to measure student growth in reading and math. The fall test sets a baseline, the winter test tracks progress, and the spring test measures achievement for the year. These results help teachers adjust instruction and make sure students are building key skills. The district also uses MAP Math, MAP Reading, ACT trends, and state tests, as listed in the Board of School Trustees' public agendas, to keep student achievement reporting transparent.
The district's process for monitoring progress and adjusting curriculum is part of a broader effort to keep standards high and maintain transparency. District leaders say the goal is to prepare graduates for whatever comes next, no matter which path they choose. The administration is scheduled to present results on reading, writing, communication, and ACT test performance to the Board of Education, keeping the focus on measurable learning outcomes.
Farmington Public Schools has faced scrutiny in the past over student safety and inclusion, as noted in a recent report. The district's current focus on wellness and belonging is part of its ongoing response to these concerns while working to improve academic achievement.
Farmington Public Schools operates several elementary, middle, and high schools serving Farmington and Farmington Hills in Oakland County, Michigan. District leaders are responsible for curriculum, student support, and fiscal management. Board meetings are open to the public, and major initiatives are discussed and approved in these sessions. The district's approach to assessment and wellness is shaped by both state requirements and local priorities, with updates available through the Farmington Area Public Schools website and official board agendas.
