8th-grade math proficiency declines in Kent County

Education
Written By Staff

Kent County’s 8th-grade math proficiency has declined 6% over the past three years, mirroring reductions in state and federal funding in math and STEM education. The state ranks 31st nationally in 8th-grade math proficiency, with the largest gaps affecting students experiencing poverty, students of color, students with disabilities, and multilingual learners. 

To better understand the local impact of these funding reductions, KConnect partnered with Kent ISD and Grand Valley State University to analyze recent trends and develop a fact sheet detailing changes in math outcomes, economic impacts, and system implications. Research shows that in Kent County, 2 in 5 students are proficient in eighth-grade math, and approximately 1 in 10 Black students (11.8%) and 1 in 4 Latine students (20%) are proficient.

Recent funding losses have impacted positions such as math coaches and STEM specialists that were previously supported through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program, with several programs losing funding entirely.

“Michigan’s largest industries require graduates with strong mathematical foundations and transferable skills,” said Rusty Anderson, Project Director, Early Mathematics, MAISA, Educational Consultant at Kent ISD. “Without sustained funding, we risk shrinking the pipeline of qualified STEM professionals and weakening West Michigan’s economic future.” 

Reductions in math funding carry long-term economic consequences for the region and state, including reduced workforce readiness, lower lifetime earning potential for individuals, widening achievement gaps, loss of tutoring and support programs, and reduced state competitiveness. 

“Strategic math investment offers a path toward system-level coherence, allowing research-based practices to expand across districts rather than remaining limited to schools with greater resources," said Marcus Deja, Math Consultant, Kent ISD. 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently unveiled her FY2027 budget priorities, reaffirming a strong commitment to investing in literacy supports for students.

“While the Governor’s proposed budget maintains important investments in education, it does not provide the same level of support for math as it does for other priorities,” said Salvador López, President & CEO, KConnect. “For too long, math funding has remained uneven. Without deliberate and sustained investment, we risk widening achievement gaps and limiting long-term economic opportunity for our students and communities.”

To learn more, visit www.k-connect.org/resources. 

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