The Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) 2025 results reveal persistent challenges in reading proficiency among early-grade students, raising concerns among educators and policymakers.
According to official data released this week, 61.1% of third graders and 57.6% of fourth graders failed to pass the English Language Arts (ELA) assessment. These results mark a slight decline compared to 2024, when 60.4% of third graders and 56.7% of fourth graders did not meet proficiency standards.
In contrast, 38.9% of third graders and 42.4% of fourth graders achieved proficiency, underscoring a continued gap in foundational literacy skills. Middle school results showed improvement, with eighth graders posting the highest proficiency rate at 65.3%, while grades five through seven demonstrated steady progress compared to previous years.
Mixed Math Outcomes
Math performance produced mixed results, with certain grades improving while others, notably third and eighth, recorded declines. The M-STEP assesses Michigan students in grades 3–8 and 11 across English, math, and in some cases, science and social studies.
Calls for Early Literacy Reforms
State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice emphasized the urgent need to address early literacy challenges, advocating for smaller class sizes, increased instructional time, and specialized teacher training in reading. He highlighted that recently enacted 2024 literacy and dyslexia laws will make a “meaningful difference” once fully implemented.
SAT Performance Sees Modest Gains
In related news, Michigan’s SAT scores showed modest improvement, rising from an average of 945 in 2024 to 954 in 2025, though the state still lags behind national benchmarks.
Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), stressed that regular student attendance is a critical factor in improving academic performance. He explained that students who miss fewer than 18 days of school per year are three to five times more likely to achieve grade-level proficiency or be college-ready. He noted that the district’s academic improvement plan has proven effective, and that continued enhancement of the plan will help accelerate progress.