M-STEP data shows decrease in APS third grade proficiency in ELA
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ALPENA -- The Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) data for the 2025-2026 school year was released Friday, showing that about 25.9% of Alpena Public Schools third graders tested proficient or above proficient in English Language Arts (ELA).
Across the state, proficiency rates were flat on most of the 20 tests (five grade levels tested on four subjects each) compared to the previous school year, according to a Friday press release from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). The rates on all except four of 20 tests stayed within two percentage points of the numbers in 2025 and most stayed within a percentage point.
A total of 25.9% of APS third graders were at or above proficiency in ELA, 36.7% of fourth graders, 42.9% of fifth graders, 31.9% of sixth graders, and 30.5% of seventh graders.
APS eighth graders taking the PSAT had a proficiency rate of 60% in ELA.
A total of 35.7% of APS third graders were at or above proficiency in mathematics, 26.5% of fourth graders, 25.7% of fifth graders, 17.9% of sixth graders, and 23.2% of seventh graders.
Compare that to the 2024-2025 school year: In ELA, 31.9% of third graders, 40.9% of fourth graders, 42.7% of fifth graders, 31.2% of sixth graders, and 28.9% of seventh graders were proficient. In third and fourth grade, the number of students that tested proficient decreased by a significant amount. In fifth, sixth, and seventh grades, about the same number of students were proficient as last school year.
In mathematics in the 2024-2025 school year at APS, 40% of third graders, 35.9% of fourth graders, 28% of fifth graders, 20.8% of sixth graders, and 25.9% of seventh graders tested proficient or above on the math assessment. Third and fourth grade showed a significant decrease in test scores in mathematics as well compared to last school year.
According to the MDE press release, The M-STEP is designed to gauge how well students are progressing toward state subject matter standards. Those standards, developed for educators by educators, broadly outline what students should know and be able to do to be prepared to enter the workplace, career education training and college.
When combined with classroom work, report cards, local district assessments, formative assessment practices (daily information about students' knowledge, understanding, and skills to address their learning needs), and other local tools, M-STEP results help offer a comprehensive view of student progress and achievement, according to the press release.
Because the M-STEP assessments are high-bar tests, students who score partially proficient are not necessarily performing below their grade level, and many who are below the proficient benchmark are successful throughout school, in high school, in college and in their chosen professions.
A message was left with APS Superintendent Dave Rabbideau for comment.