LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Despite record levels of funding since the pandemic, Michigan’s public school student achievement was disappointing in the recently released “Nation’s Report Card.”

Michigan’s fourth-grade reading in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) marked the state’s worst since testing began in 1992. The NAEP results were released Jan. 29. Results are conducted and released every two years.

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The state’s Grade 8 Math results came in at the lowest since 1992; the Grade 8 Reading results were the lowest since 2002.

Michigan did show a slight improvement in Grade 4 Science results from 2022 and Grade 4 Math also had a small increase from 2022. But both improvements still had the state below national averages in both categories.

In 2018-19, K-12 school funding received a total of $14.8 billion. But funding has increased due in part to federal funding and an increase in state funding. K-12 funding has averaged $20.2 million in the five post-pandemic years from 2020-21 through 2024-25.

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) stated even more money was needed.

“The last three education budgets have been the best three consecutively over the last 30 years,” the Michigan Department of Education stated in a press release. “Michigan’s schools remain underfunded by billions of dollars, however, according to School Finance Resource Collaborative (SFRC) study recommendations.”

State Superintendent Michael Rice said in a press release he appreciates the additional funding but “noted that studies have shown that Michigan’s education system remains significantly underfunded due to years of inadequate budgets.”