Michigan Schools Defy Trend as Third Grade Reading Scores Rise

Michigan’s third graders have faced ongoing challenges in achieving proficiency in reading, with a steady decline in passing rates observed since the inception of the state’s annual assessment. In 2025, only 38.9% of third graders who participated in the spring assessment scored proficient or higher. Despite this trend, several public schools and districts have bucked the norm, demonstrating significant improvements over the past six years, as detailed in a recent analysis by the Detroit Free Press.

Schools Implement Targeted Strategies for Improvement

Interviews with school officials from four districts reveal common strategies that contributed to their successes. These leaders emphasized the importance of having a clear plan and adhering to it. Many districts began implementing reforms in reading instruction ahead of state initiatives. They adopted principles from the science of reading, which emphasizes systematic phonics and comprehension strategies, and prioritized engaging parents and students in diverse ways.

Among the noteworthy examples is Romulus Community Schools, where 43% of third graders scored proficient or higher on the state test in 2025, a significant increase from 34% in 2019. This marks the first time the district has outperformed the statewide average since the M-STEP assessments began more than a decade ago. According to Superintendent Benjamin Edmondson, the district’s success hinges on consistent monitoring of student performance and a structured literacy curriculum.

“At one point, we didn’t have a blueprint, but I feel like we definitely have one now,” Edmondson stated.

Success Stories from Diverse School Environments

In Dearborn Heights, Hillcrest Elementary School has achieved remarkable results, with 56% of economically disadvantaged third graders scoring proficient or higher, which is more than double the state average for this demographic. Principal Nassrine Saad has focused on a holistic approach to education, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with students and their families. Monthly events keep parents informed and engaged, and books are sent home for shared reading experiences.

Meanwhile, at Buchanan Elementary in Livonia, Principal Jennifer Wilson has fostered a culture of resilience, with the school reporting that 72% of third graders passed the reading test in 2025, up from 52% in 2019. The percentage of economically disadvantaged students scoring proficient or higher also improved significantly, from 42% in 2019 to 57% in 2025. This progress is attributed to a long-term commitment to the science of reading and individualized instruction.

Director Mark Roessing of Walden Green Montessori, a charter school near Grand Haven, highlights the impact of school culture on academic achievement. The school has increased outdoor learning time, which Roessing believes contributes to cognitive development. In 2025, 79% of Walden’s third graders scored proficient or higher, up from 44% in 2019.

These examples illustrate that while many Michigan schools face significant challenges, targeted strategies and a commitment to reform can lead to measurable improvements in student outcomes. As Michigan’s public schools navigate an uncertain budget season, the focus on effective reading instruction remains crucial for sustaining this positive momentum.