Dept. of Education releases M-STEP test scores on reading, math

On Aug. 28, the Michigan Department of Education released the results of the 2024 Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress taken last spring.
The M-STEP test results showed that only 39.6% of Michigan third-graders passed the state’s English language arts (ELA) test, the lowest score for the last 10 years.
The number was 40.9% in 2023, 41.6% in 2022, and 42.8% in 2021, according to test data.
The pre-pandemic level in 2019 showed that 45% of third graders scored proficient or higher in reading on the test.
Grades 3 through 8 and grade 11 were tested in english and math, while grades 5, 8 and 11 were also tested in science and social studies.
Local reading results showed:
Van Buren Public Schools
Third grade ELA, % met:
• Edgemont Elementary – 19.70
• Rawsonville Elementary – 19.00
• Savage Elementary – 52.70
• Tyler Elementary – 32.10
(30.20% average for all buildings)
Fifth grade ELA, % met:
• Owen Intermediate – 32.30
Eighth grade math, % met:
• McBride Middle – 21.00
Keystone Academy
• Third grade ELA, % met – 48.80
• Fifth grade ELA, % met – 77.80
• Eighth grade math, % met – 50.00
Statewide tests showed slight increases in math scores.
Grade 8 students take the PSAT for grades 8/9 for math and ELA, while students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 take the M-STEP. Grade 11 students take the SAT for math and ELA.
Michigan students took the 2024 M-STEP, PSAT, and SAT assessments in the spring. The PSAT and SAT both transitioned from a paper and pencil test to a new online test design last spring.