Recently released test results show new lows for Michigan students on standardized exams, even as the state continues to spend historic amounts on education.
State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko said more work is needed—especially on reading.
“It will take continued hard work from everyone and a strong Students First approach to improve student achievement across Michigan,” Maleyko said. “That means we must emphasize teamwork involving MDE, the State Board of Education, local school districts, parents, the governor, the legislature, the business and philanthropic communities, education associations, labor, higher education and libraries.”
The results of the 2026 Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, also known as M-STEP, found that 61.8% of all third-graders scored below proficient on the state’s English language arts test. That was up slightly from 61.1% in 2024.
This has been an ongoing trend over the last few years, with fourth-graders seeing a similar increase this year in the percentage of students scoring below proficient.
In the exam’s 12-year history, the 2026 results are the worst scores ever recorded among third-graders. (Read more)
Michigan test scores fall to new lows despite increased spending https://t.co/lm7XAV0AEU
— Just the News (@JustTheNews) September 7, 2026