M-STEP data underscores need to urgently invest more in Michigan’s students, particularly those who are underserved

This statement can be attributed to Jennifer Mrozowski, Senior Director, Strategic Communications and External Relations, EdTrust-Midwest, on the release of the 2023-2024 M-STEP data for grades 3-8.  

Advocates urge passage of legislation to systemically improve reading  

 “We applaud the governor and our state legislature for improving funding for students from low-income backgrounds, multilingual learners and students with disabilities, but the results are clear that Michigan’s students and their educators need more support. 

“It’s especially clear from the M-STEP data that we need to urgently invest more in Michigan’s students with the greatest needs, so they not only catch up from pre-pandemic levels but also accelerate their learning.  

“The bottom line is that money matters in education, especially for students who are underserved. The Michigan Partnership for Equity and Opportunity continues to urge state leaders to fully fund the Opportunity Index, which directs additional resources to districts based on their concentration of poverty.  

“Along with additional investments, state leaders should put in place transparent statewide systems to make sure these investments are being spent on strategies targeted at raising student achievement.      

“As it now stands, our state lacks systems to show which interventions are being used, whether they are effective at accelerating student learning, and whether dollars intended for students with the greatest needs are reaching their schools.    

“Additionally, decades of research show that promoting early literacy is key to improving education overall. If students read well by third grade, they have a better chance to succeed in school, are far more likely to go to college, participate in the job market and even have greater lifetime employment earnings. 

“To address Michigan’s reading crisis, state leaders should come together to pass pending legislation that would work to address one of the greatest barriers to early reading: dyslexia.

“Senate Bills 567 and 568 would require schools to screen early elementary students for characteristics of dyslexia and provide multi-tier levels of support for students who demonstrate those characteristics. These interventions would be research based with a track record of proven effectiveness in teaching students how to read.

“Key parts of the proposed law would require universities to provide specific training to future teachers on how to instruct students with dyslexia. The bills also ensure that all current teachers receive professional development on how to provide the necessary resources for these students using evidence-based instructional methods and interventions to teach reading based on the science of reading. These methods, detailed in the legislation, will empower teachers so they can effectively teach all children the foundational skills needed to be strong readers.

“Now is the time to act on this critical issue that impacts up to 20 percent of Michigan students. Our students should not have to wait any longer to receive the help they need to become strong readers. We urge our state leaders to make passage of these bills a top priority.”