Michigan’s Third Grade Reading Scores Hit Record Low
Despite ongoing efforts to bolster literacy, Michigan’s third grade reading proficiency has reached an unprecedented low. The latest Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) results reveal that only 38.2% of third graders demonstrated proficiency in English Language Arts, a slight dip from 38.9% last year. These tests, conducted in spring 2026, highlight the challenges faced by the state’s educational system over the past decade.
Efforts to improve reading scores have included implementing literacy coaches, offering optional teacher training, and enacting short-lived legislative measures meant to retain struggling students. The downward trend is not isolated to third graders; reading scores for fourth through seventh graders have also declined. Overall, just 44% of students in grades 3-8 are proficient in reading, based on a Chalkbeat analysis of both M-STEP and PSAT 8/9 results.
State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko expressed concern, stating, “We need to improve the results of all these assessments for our students moving forward. Michigan proficiency rates are not where we want them to be. We must increase proficiency rates in all subjects and areas, and in all grades. And we must do this over time, showing steady improvement in all areas.” This marks the first M-STEP release since Maleyko assumed his role at the Michigan Department of Education last December.
The proficiency rates in other areas also reflect a need for improvement. Only 35.5% of students grades 3-8 displayed proficiency in math, with many rates remaining largely unchanged from 2025.
- Math proficiency saw an increase in third and sixth grades, declined in fifth grade, and remained unchanged in fourth and seventh grades.
- Fifth grade science and social studies proficiency decreased.
- Eighth graders showed improvement in social studies but a decline in science.
- Eleventh grade students improved in science and social studies but experienced a decline in reading and math.
District Performance Overview
In terms of specific districts, the Detroit Public Schools Community District, which is the largest in Michigan, exhibited gains in reading and math. Third grade reading proficiency rose from 12.9% to 14.1%, while math proficiency increased from 15.7% to 20.1%.
Grand Rapids reported a slight improvement in third grade reading proficiency, moving from 19.6% to 20.1%, with math proficiency rising from 19.6% to 23.5%. Conversely, the Lansing School District observed gains in reading proficiency in lower grades but saw a decline in the upper grades.
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is actively working on strategies to enhance student proficiency. This fall, they plan to introduce the “Michigan Mathematics Framework,” which will offer a comprehensive approach to mathematics education, including a shared vision and evidence-based teaching strategies. Additionally, a committee dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education is being established.
Focus on Literacy
These results arrive as Michigan prepares for a gubernatorial transition, with literacy being a top priority for outgoing Governor Gretchen Whitmer. New legislative measures are set to require school districts to employ “evidence-based” reading instruction and screen students for dyslexia by the 2027-2028 school year. Teachers will need to complete ‘science of reading’ training by the 2031-2032 school year, and there is state support for districts to ensure adequate training.
MDE officials note that the use of state-approved literacy curriculums is crucial, as failure to do so without informing parents can lead to loss of state funding. However, there is currently no system in place for districts to report which curriculums they utilize.
While state test scores highlight areas needing attention, MDE officials remind that these numbers are just one metric of student achievement. Deputy Superintendent Delsa Chapman emphasizes that low proficiency scores do not necessarily indicate an inability to read or perform mathematical operations.
Testing Structure in Michigan
In Michigan, standardized testing is conducted across various grades. Students in grades 3-7 take tests in English language arts and math. Fifth graders additionally take science and social studies tests, while eighth graders tackle the PSAT 8/9 in English language arts and math alongside the M-STEP for science and social studies. Ninth graders take the PSAT 8/9, and tenth graders take the PSAT 10. In 11th grade, students face the SAT, WIN Readiness Assessment, and M-STEP tests in science and social studies. Students with disabilities have the option to take the MI-Access tests instead.
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This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
