Michigan education officials face calls to prioritize math proficiency

While Michigan officials, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer and State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko, have prioritized literacy through significant legislative action and funding, experts are raising concerns regarding math proficiency. Recent standardized test analysis shows that only 35.5% of third through eighth graders in Michigan are proficient in math, compared to 44% in literacy.

Legislators have implemented laws requiring elementary teachers to learn the ‘science of reading,’ but no such requirements currently exist for mathematics. Although the state has allocated $5 million to vet math curricula and $8 million for STEM programs, these amounts are considerably lower than the $151.4 million dedicated to literacy materials over the last two years, with an additional $50 million planned for the next budget.

Educators and researchers argue that math proficiency is a critical gatekeeper for college access and high-paying technical professions, such as data science. Improving math skills is viewed as essential for developing critical thinking and ensuring long-term economic competitiveness for the state's workforce.