KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WLKI)- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says Michigan must stay focused on improving student outcomes after third-grade reading results on the M-STEP assessment reached a record low.
Whitmer visited Woods Lake Elementary School in Kalamazoo, where she served meals to students and discussed education reforms intended to strengthen reading instruction statewide.
The governor pointed to legislation she signed in 2024 that made $150 million available to school districts for teacher training. State officials say more than 7,600 educators have completed that training so far.
The latest M-STEP results renewed concern over early literacy, an area educators consider critical because third-grade reading is often viewed as a key benchmark in a student's academic development.
Whitmer said the reforms will need time to reach classrooms and produce measurable results. She called on state and local education leaders to continue supporting teachers and students while working to raise literacy achievement.
The administration's broader education efforts include investing in tutoring, reading support and professional development intended to help educators identify and address learning gaps earlier.