Michigan Reading Scores Drop Again. State Leader Says: 'We Need to Improve'

Reading scores for third graders in Michigan fell again this year, reaching the lowest point in the 12-year history of the state's main standardized test. Only 38.2% of third graders showed they were proficient, or skilled enough, in English Language Arts. That is down from 38.9% the year before, based on results from the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, called the M-STEP. Students took the tests in spring 2026, and the results were shared publicly on Friday.

The drop happened even as schools began putting new reading programs in place. Michigan leaders have spent about ten years trying to raise reading scores using literacy coaches, optional teacher training, and other efforts. A short-lived law also required some struggling third graders to repeat the grade. Despite these efforts, scores have not improved enough to meet the state's goals.

Reading scores also fell for students in fourth through seventh grade. Looking at all students in grades three through eight, only 44% are proficient in reading. Math scores are even lower — just 35.5% of those students are proficient. Most score changes were less than one percentage point, so results were mostly flat across the board.

State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko spoke about the results after becoming head of the Michigan Department of Education last December. He said Michigan must do better for all of its students. "Michigan proficiency rates are not where we want them to be," Maleyko said. "We must increase proficiency rates in all subjects and areas, and in all grades."

Some subjects and grades did show small improvements. Math scores went up in third and sixth grade, and eighth graders got better at social studies. In 11th grade, both science and social studies scores improved over the prior year. However, fifth grade math and science dropped, and reading and math fell for 11th graders.

Results also varied a lot across major school districts. In Detroit Public Schools Community District, the state's largest district, third grade reading proficiency rose from 12.9% to 14.1%. Math scores there jumped from 15.7% to 20.1%, which was a bigger gain. In Grand Rapids, third grade reading edged up from 19.6% to 20.1%, and math improved from 19.6% to 23.5%.

Lansing School District saw reading gains in grades three through six, but proficiency dropped in grades seven and eight. Leaders in the state are working on new plans to help. The state will release a "Michigan Mathematics Framework" this fall to guide better math teaching. A new STEM committee — focused on science, technology, engineering, and math — is also being formed.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who must leave office because of term limits, has said literacy is her number one priority this final year. Maleyko noted that many new reading laws are not fully in effect yet. By the 2027–2028 school year, districts must use "evidence-based" reading methods and screen students for signs of dyslexia. By 2031–2032, all elementary teachers must complete "science of reading" training.

State officials also want people to understand that test scores are not the only way to measure a student's ability. Deputy Superintendent Delsa Chapman said a low score does not mean a student cannot read. "On that one test in time, their demonstration of mastering the standards is determined through a proficiency rating," she said. She added that this does not mean a student cannot read or do math.

Different grades take different tests in Michigan. Students in grades three through seven take the English Language Arts and math M-STEP. Fifth graders also take science and social studies tests, and eighth graders take both the PSAT 8/9 and parts of the M-STEP. Some students with disabilities take a different test called the MI-Access instead of the standard exams.