DETROIT (WXYZ) — Michigan is facing a big educational challenge! A couple years ago, less than half of Michigan 3rd graders passed the reading portion of the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, better known as M-STEP. That dismal statistic set off alarm bells. Third grade is a crucial reading year for kids.
To combat Michigan’s reading problem, Lansing lawmakers adopted a 2016 law designed to stop 3rd graders who can’t read well from advancing to 4th grade. Michigan is now one of 16 states with this kind of authority that will go into effect this fall with the incoming group of 3rd graders.
Supporters believe it is the catalyst educators and parents need to improve student reading. Opponents believe the new statewide rule will do more harm than good. Only time will tell who is right. But this summer is an important time for parents and guardians to do all you can to help your 3rd graders. By law, they must now develop the reading skills they will need, to have a successful school year and pass the M-STEP reading test. There are many organizations ready to help your child with their summer reading. We have added that information to our WXYZ.com web site for your review.
It is very helpful to read to your kids on a regular basis and expose them to age appropriate books. The new law also requires school systems to provide additional help to boys and girls struggling with their reading skills. They must also design at home reading plans.
If we are serious about making Michigan a top 10 educational state in 10 years, advancements in 3rd grade reading and other K-12 curriculum are a must. No longer can we afford to keep point fingers at someone else. It will take us all working together.
I’m Mike Murri, V.P. & General Manager
Broadcast: June 21 - 23, 2019
Summer Reading Help Resources for Kids:
- Ready4K - https://ready4k.parentpowered.com/
- SummerSpark - https://summersparksem.org/
- ABCMouse - www.abcmouse.com
- Detroit Parent Network - http://www.detroitparentnetwork.org/
- Education Trust Midwest - https://midwest.edtrust.org/
