Well, the 2013 MEAP results have just been published, and how well are our children learning? Starting with the first test administered, which is 3rd grade reading, we see that only 61.3% of 3rd graders are reading at grade level, down from 66.5% in 2012. Math performance is even worse, as only 40.1% of 3rd graders are proficient, also down from 2012. Pitiful. Disgusting. Embarrassing. Click here for MDE data.
The House of Representatives needs to pass the 3rd Grade Reading Guarantee bills (HB 5111 & HB 5144), sponsored by Rep. Amanda Price (R-Holland) and Rep. Thomas Stallworth III (D-Detroit). These bills will improve early literacy through a comprehensive approach that focuses on early screening and assessment, parental notification and involvement, personalized interventions to help students succeed; and retention as a last resort for those that aren’t proficiently at the end of 3rd grade and don’t meet one of the many “good cause” exemptions. These bills were passed on a bi-partisan basis by the House Education Committee in December and are ready for a vote on the House floor.
How long must our kids wait for a quality education?
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