2023 State Test Scores Improve in Many Grades

These data follow the 2022 statewide test results where a majority of Michigan school districts showed improvement over the previous year’s results.

“We continue to be encouraged by the gradual improvements in student achievement,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “Though the 2022-23 school year was far from normal, given persistent staffing challenges and residual adverse impact of the pandemic, it was the most stable school year of the last four. Michigan’s educators worked hard to help students continue to rebound and to increase their learning.”

Of the 20 statewide assessments administered to students in spring 2023, scores increased in 15 of the assessments, decreased in four, and remained the same in one. 

State Board of Education President Dr. Pamela Pugh said, “Michigan’s students and educators are working hard to emerge from the disruption of the pandemic, and it’s making a difference. We need to continue to invest in our schools and educators and provide the supports needed to help our kids continue to grow academically, socially, and personally.”

With 96.8 percent of Michigan students participating in the state assessments this spring, proficiency among all students in grades 3–7 taking the mathematics assessment increased from 33.3 percent in 2022, to 34.7 percent in 2023, with students in grade 5 showing the biggest gain of 1.9 percentage points.

Student proficiency rates on the science assessments increased in all grades: grades 5, 8 and 11. Grade 5 proficiency increased to 38.9 percent from 38.2 percent in 2022; Grade 8 proficiency increased to 37.4 percent from 36.3 percent in 2022; and Grade 11 proficiency increased to 39.0 percent from 38.0 percent in 2022.

Student proficiency rates in social studies increased in all grades: grades 5, 8 and 11. Grade 5 proficiency increased to 18.6 percent from 15.5 percent in 2022; Grade 8 proficiency increased to 26.7 percent from 26.3 percent in 2022; and Grade 11 proficiency increased to 36.1 percent from 35.9 percent in 2022.

Student proficiency rates in ELA increased in grades 4, 5, and 11, remained the same in grade 8, and decreased in grades 3, 6, and 7. In both 2022 and 2023, 40.7 percent of students in grades 3-7 tested at the proficient level or above.

“This past year’s third graders were perhaps the most adversely affected of any age cohort as they had pandemic-influenced school years during grades kindergarten through second grade, a challenge that was particularly noticeable in reading,” Dr. Rice said. “Kindergarten, first grade, and second grade are pivotal in early literacy efforts, which may help explain the slight decline in the third grade ELA proficiency rate.”  

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