LANSING, Mich. — The results of the 2024 Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) have revealed a concerning trend: Third grade reading proficiency has plummeted to its lowest level in the nine-year history of the state assessment test. Only 39.6% of Michigan’s third graders were proficient in the English Language Arts (ELA) portion of the test, marking a steady decline from previous years. This means that 60.4% of third graders statewide failed to meet the proficiency benchmark in English this past spring.
State education officials have noted that these third graders were in the critical early stages of learning to read during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted their educational progress. Recognizing the long-term impact of these disruptions, Sen. Lana Theis has been a strong advocate for giving parents the tools and support they need to help their children succeed outside the classroom.
“It’s heartbreaking to see our children struggling to meet this fundamental milestone,” said Theis, R-Brighton. “Reading proficiency is not just another academic achievement, it is the gateway to success in every other subject and has lifelong implications. We knew the pandemic would have a lasting impact on our students, especially in those formative early years, which is why I fought so hard to include reading scholarships in the 2022 budget. These scholarships would have provided crucial support to parents, enabling them to help their children catch up and build the reading skills they need to thrive.”
The reading scholarships, which were included in the fiscal year 2022 School Aid budget as passed by the Legislature, would have offered up to $1,000 per eligible student for reading materials, literacy programs, and tutoring services. However, despite bipartisan support, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer line-item vetoed the $155 million program.
Theis expressed her deep disappointment in the governor’s decision.
“Gov. Whitmer’s veto of these reading scholarships was a blow to the very families who needed them most. It’s clear that political gamesmanship took precedence over the educational needs of our children,” Theis said. “We must prioritize giving parents the resources they need to support their children’s education, especially after the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Our kids deserve better.”
As the state grapples with the implications of these declining M-STEP scores, Theis remains committed to advocating for policies that empower parents and support students in achieving essential academic milestones. She is calling on her colleagues in the Legislature to renew efforts to provide targeted support to the students most in need and to revisit the critical importance of reading proficiency as a cornerstone of a successful education.
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