Michigan's latest standardized test results show reading proficiency for third graders has dropped to its lowest point in 12 years, with only 38.2 percent meeting state standards. State officials say new literacy reforms are still in early stages
Michigan's third grade reading scores have fallen to their lowest level since the state began tracking results with the M-STEP exam, according to data released Friday. Just 38.2 percent of third graders were rated proficient in English Language Arts this spring, a decline from 38.9 percent the previous year. The drop comes despite a decade of state-led efforts to boost literacy, including new laws, teacher training, and expanded coaching programs.
State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko, overseeing his first M-STEP results since taking office in December, called the numbers unacceptable and said Michigan must accelerate progress in reading and other core subjects. "Michigan proficiency rates are not where we want them to be," Maleyko said, urging state leaders and educators to work together for improvement.
Scores Decline Across Grades
The downward trend is not limited to third grade. Reading proficiency rates for students in grades four through seven also slipped compared to last year. Across grades three through eight, only 44 percent of students were proficient in reading, based on a combined analysis of M-STEP and PSAT 8/9 results. Math proficiency remains even lower, with just 35.5 percent of students in grades three through eight meeting state standards.
While most proficiency rates shifted less than a percentage point, the Michigan Department of Education acknowledged that the overall picture is stagnant or declining. Out of 20 tested areas, only four saw changes greater than two percentage points from the previous year. In science and social studies, fifth graders posted lower scores, while eighth graders improved in social studies but dropped in science. Among high school juniors, reading and math performance declined, even as science and social studies scores improved.
Districts See Mixed Results
Some of Michigan's largest school districts reported small gains, but their proficiency rates remain well below state averages. In Detroit Public Schools Community District, third grade reading proficiency rose from 12.9 percent to 14.1 percent, and math proficiency increased from 15.7 percent to 20.1 percent. Grand Rapids saw third grade reading proficiency edge up from 19.6 percent to 20.1 percent, with math rising to 23.5 percent. Lansing School District reported improvements in reading for grades three through six, but proficiency declined in seventh and eighth grades.
State officials say these incremental gains are not enough to reverse the broader trend. Many of the state's new literacy initiatives, including mandatory "science of reading" training for teachers and requirements for evidence-based reading instruction, are still being phased in. Full implementation is not expected until the 2027-2028 school year for dyslexia screening and the 2031-2032 school year for teacher training.
State Response and Next Steps
The Michigan Department of Education plans to release a new "Michigan Mathematics Framework" this fall, aiming to provide a unified vision for math instruction and assessment. The department is also forming a committee to focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Under recently passed laws, districts must use state-vetted literacy curricula or risk losing funding, though the department currently lacks a system to track which curricula districts are using.
Officials caution that standardized test scores are only one measure of student achievement. Delsa Chapman, a deputy superintendent, noted that a student's proficiency rating on a single test does not necessarily reflect their overall ability to read or do math. Still, the persistent low scores have raised concerns about Michigan's ability to deliver on its promise to improve literacy statewide.
Context and Outlook
This year's results are the last to be released before Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who has made literacy her top priority, leaves office. The next governor-either Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson or Republican US Rep. John James-will inherit a system in transition, with major reforms still years from full effect. Michigan's approach now hinges on whether these new policies can deliver measurable gains after years of stagnation.
Michigan's standardized testing system includes the M-STEP for grades three through seven in English Language Arts and math, with additional science and social studies tests in fifth and eighth grades. High school students take the PSAT and SAT, while students with disabilities may take alternative assessments. The state's ongoing challenge is to translate policy changes into real classroom improvement, a task that will require more than incremental adjustments and public statements. Until Michigan's reforms move from legislation to daily practice, families and educators are left waiting for evidence that the state's promises will finally yield results.
