LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Michigan’s Department of Education is working to address low math and reading scores for elementary students. Michigan’s youngest students have seen lower and lower test scores over the past few years. Last school year’s scores showed that two-thirds of Michigan 4th graders read below grade level, bringing extra attention to the work being done to catch students up post-pandemic.
Michigan’s deputy superintendent, Delsa Chapman, said the department looks holistically to remove any barriers to positive student outcomes. The focus has been on getting as many educators trained in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling. One-third of Michigan’s teachers have now completed or are enrolled in the course.
The support doesn’t end with literacy. Chapman said the department is looking to boost math and numeracy skills, prioritize student mental health, and shrink class sizes.
“Literacy is the foundation of learning, and so with that, that will definitely impact and increase student outcomes in other content areas as well,” Chapman said. “A lower teacher-to-student ratio, especially in those early learning grades, has a definite impact on their learning and their learning outcomes.”
While scores for younger students have been low post-pandemic, the graduation rate for michigan high schoolers is at an all-time high at 82%. Enrollment for advanced placement, dual enrollment, and early middle college programs is also up.
Chapman said funding these programs is critical to improving conditions for teachers and performance for students in the classroom, and that making sure there are enough resources to keep addressing the whole student will lift up the states’ overall education scores.
