KConnect, Kent Intermediate School District and Grand Valley State University have analyzed recent math and STEM education trends in Kent County. They discovered 2 in 5 students are proficient in eighth-grade math. Kent ISD Math Consultant Rusty Anderson says the declines align with the timing of state and federal funding reductions.
“Basically, any statewide strategy when it comes to STEM education or mathematic-specific supports at the state level were eliminated from the budget.”
Kent County’s eighth-grade math proficiency has declined 6% over the past three years, with Michigan ranking 31st nationally. Students with the greatest competency drop-off live in poverty, are students of color, students with disabilities, and multilingual users.
“It’s about career tech ed; it’s about the pipeline; it’s about getting our children ready for the workforce of the future.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s 2027 budget reaffirmed a strong commitment to investing in literacy support, but Anderson says math and STEM support deserve the same attention. Future budget recommendations show $20 million allocated for math and STEM education.
“What we hope to see is that the recommendations that are in the executive recommendation hold true and that that $20 million is preserved as the budget goes through the process, which is a great start.”
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