(The Center Square) – Michigan students continue to lag behind those in other states since the pandemic, according to the results of the 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress test.
Released Wednesday, the “Nation’s Report Card” reported that fourth-grade math scores had only marginal improvement from 2022, while eighth-grade math and fourth- and eighth-grade reading scores declined slightly.
Across the state, the report found that 75% of fourth-graders cannot read proficiently while 63% aren’t proficient in math. Of eight-graders, 76% cannot read proficiently and aren’t proficient in math. This puts Michigan students behind many other states.
“These results show the need for the recently passed Michigan literacy and dyslexia laws and other reform efforts for which we have advocated,” said State Superintendent Michael Rice in a statement. One of those laws requires all students be screened for dyslexia.
On the other hand, Michigan Republicans point to recent moves by Democrats for the concerning drop in test scores.
“The test scores are in and Michigan students have fallen even further behind after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Democrats: Repealed the ‘Read by 3rd grade’ law; Watered down teacher standards; eliminated the A-F school grading system,” said a statement from Michigan Senate Republicans. “Lansing Democrats have failed Michigan kids.”
This comes just days after EdTrust – Midwest released a report looking at the teacher shortage problem in Michigan, which it argues is affecting “students most in need.”
The report found that students in high-poverty districts were more likely to face the highest rates of inexperienced teachers, teachers who have emergency or temporary credentials, and educators who are teaching classes that are not in their field of expertise.
The test scores point to the need for the teacher shortage to be addressed quickly, said Jennifer Mrozowski, senior director for external relations and strategic communications for EdTrust.
“Michigan’s continued lagging performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress is proof positive that we need to act now to ensure our students have the resources and support for educational recovery and acceleration. This can’t wait.”
Mrozowski called for more funding ($2 billion) into education systems in Michigan, which she said should also come with “greater fiscal transparency and accountability.”
Rice also argued more funding is needed, even though the last three education budgets have been the best three consecutively over the last 30 years. More funding would help schools both assist disadvantaged students and address the teacher shortage, Rice said.
“We need to continue to fund teacher shortage rectification measures,” he added.
