Michigan is pressing ahead with an aggressive literacy agenda, yet teachers and experts are raising concerns that mathematics is being left behind. Governor Gretchen Whitmer and State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko have declared reading the top priority, and the legislature has approved new laws requiring elementary teachers to master the “science of reading.” While these steps have drawn praise, comparable statewide mandates for math are absent.
Proficiency gaps reveal need for math focus
According to a Chalkbeat analysis of standardized test results, only 35.5% of third‑through‑eighth‑grade students are proficient in math, compared with 44% in literacy. Educators argue that strong math skills are essential for critical thinking, problem‑solving, and future earnings, especially as the state seeks to attract high‑tech jobs.
Funding disparities
Michigan has allocated $5 million to vet math curricula and $8 million for STEM programs, a modest sum next to the $151.4 million spent on literacy materials over the past two years and an additional $50 million slated for the upcoming budget. The Early Mathematics project, run by the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA), received $10.4 million from a $25 million state fund but is set to end this month.
The program paired districts with low math scores with early‑math specialists who provided one‑on‑one coaching and “learning labs” for teachers. It reached 40 specialists across 48 districts and 888 elementary classrooms. Project director Rusty Anderson noted that teachers who handle both reading and math face limited time for professional development.
State plans for curriculum oversight
The new budget directs the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to create a committee to vet math curricula, allocating $5 million for the effort. MDE also intends to release a “Michigan Mathematics Framework” this fall, offering evidence‑based resources and optional guidance for parents and schools.
Ken Coleman, an MDE spokesperson, said the framework aims to strengthen mathematics instruction across the state while literacy remains the top priority. He emphasized that the upcoming strategic plan will formally add math improvement to the department’s goals.
Educator cautions on curriculum selection
Kelli VanSetters, president of the Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics, warned that simply choosing a new curriculum will not guarantee better outcomes. “Selecting a new resource isn’t like the golden ticket to student outcomes,” she said.
Many teachers and researchers suggest applying successful reading‑instruction strategies to math classrooms. Assistant research professor Alison Fox Resnick, also a project partner, asked, “What are the things we can support teachers to learn about across content areas?”
National context
Michigan is not alone in seeking math reform. Education Week reports that 22 states have enacted new math policies since 2022. Alabama is the only state to show an increase in fourth‑grade math scores on the Nation’s Report Card between 2019 and 2024. Maryland plans to require at least 60 minutes of daily math instruction for K‑8 schools.
Early results from pilot programs
Schools that participated in MAISA’s Early Mathematics effort have reported gains. At North Huron Elementary, fourth‑grade proficiency rose from 73% in fall 2024 to 91% by spring 2026, and overall K‑5 proficiency increased from 42% to 64% over the same period. Teachers like Haley Dhyse note that math is becoming a more comfortable conversation for students.
However, concerns remain about the sustainability of such gains. Angela Elmblad of Copper Country Intermediate School District expressed worry that the end of the Early Mathematics project could lead to a loss of specialist support, potentially eroding trust with teachers.
Looking ahead
State officials plan to update the mathematics component of the strategic plan early next year, signaling a growing recognition of math’s importance alongside literacy. As Michigan continues to invest heavily in reading, educators hope that the emerging focus on math will receive comparable resources to ensure a well‑rounded education for all students.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
