Detroit Students Show Math, Reading Gains

In Detroit, Michigan, educators are observing improved reading and math scores among students, spurred by a $94.4 million settlement from a 2016 lawsuit. The Detroit Public Schools Community District used the funds to hire reading and multilingual interventionists—like Aja Penick and Greg Burris at Munger Elementary-Middle School—to provide targeted support to students. These interventionists work within daily 120-minute literacy blocks, focusing on individualized attention.

District leaders attribute gains to four key strategies: increased literacy support, reduced student absenteeism, student ownership of academic performance, and a return to neighborhood schools. Chronic absenteeism decreased from 77% in the 2021-2022 school year to 61% last year, aided by incentive programs and proactive attendance agents.

However, the funding from the lawsuit will soon end, and increased immigration enforcement poses a new challenge to consistent attendance. While Detroit students are making faster improvements than similar districts, proficiency rates remain lower—15.4% proficient in reading and 12.3% in math as of 2025. The district acknowledges continued work is needed to close achievement gaps.