# Michigan student standardized test proficiency trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/michigan-student-standardized-test-proficiency-trends > Updated: 2026-09-04T19:55:02.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Recent standardized testing data reveals diverging trends between Michigan state averages and the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD). Statewide, Michigan third-grade reading proficiency has declined to 38.2%, the lowest level in the 12-year history of the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP). Proficiency rates for grades 3 through 8 in reading fell to 44%, while mathematics proficiency for the same group reached 35.5%. State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko noted that these rates are not where they should be, despite long-term literacy initiatives. In contrast, DPSCD reported year-over-year gains in reading, writing, and math. The district reached a 12-year high for third-grade proficiency in reading and writing, which Superintendent Nikolai Vitti suggested indicates a “systemic turnaround” for the district. However, DPSCD students still trail the state average, with 14.1% of district third graders achieving proficiency compared to the statewide 38.2%. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Michigan third-grade reading scores hit historic low Michigan third-grade reading proficiency has dropped to 38.2%, the lowest in the 12-year history of the M-STEP exam, as state officials call for improved educational outcomes. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michigan-third-grade-reading-scores-hit-historic-low ### 2026-09-03: Detroit schools report growth in state exam proficiency Detroit Public Schools Community District reported a 12-year high in third-grade reading and writing proficiency, showing academic growth despite lagging behind Michigan statewide averages. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/detroit-schools-report-growth-in-state-exam-proficiency --- Cite as: Michigan student standardized test proficiency trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/michigan-student-standardized-test-proficiency-trends