Michigan kids who started school during the pandemic are still struggling in class.

That’s the suggestion of the latest round of M-STEP test results. Bridge Michigan reports that M-STEP data shows those students are trailing behind in reading and writing.

Only about 40%  of the state’s 3rd graders are proficient in language arts, down from 45% before COVID.

Kids who began their Kindergarten or 1st Grade school careers in virtual classrooms are struggling to catch up to pre-COVID standards.

Some lawmakers and education leaders are calling for the passage of new laws that require districts to emphasize phonics in early literacy classrooms.

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