Beyond the Numbers: How 5 Michigan Districts Achieved 70%+ Science Proficiency with IQWST
Beyond the Numbers: How 5 Michigan Districts Achieved 70%+ Science Proficiency with IQWST
Quick Take: Five of Michigan’s top 10 school districts for middle school science have achieved remarkable gains on the M-STEP—some exceeding 70% proficiency—while utilizing IQWST, Activate Learning’s NGSS-aligned curriculum. This case study explores how state policy, strong district leadership, and teacher-led implementation fueled a statewide success story built on inquiry, equity, and student-driven learning.
New data-driven success story explores the curriculum, leadership, and support behind the state’s top-performing middle school science programs.
Activate Learning is proud to release a new case study documenting an extraordinary science education success story in Michigan.
We explore Michigan’s five top-performing districts—Byron Center, Rockford, Northville, Forest Hills, and Birmingham—that are reshaping what’s possible in middle school science education. Ranked among the Top 10 districts in the state for science proficiency, each of these districts use IQWST, our NGSS-aligned, investigation-centered middle school science curriculum.
The numbers tell a compelling story: these districts achieved proficiency rates as high as 70.7%, dramatically outperforming the state average of 38.7%. But what's more impressive is their sustained growth over time, with districts like Rockford Public Schools seeing a remarkable 31.5 percentage point increase and consistent performance in the following years. The results speak for themselves:
Science Proficiency Highlights (M-STEP 2023–24):
- Byron Center – 70.7% proficiency
- Rockford – 69.0% proficiency
- Northville – 67.5% proficiency
- Forest Hills – 66.9% proficiency
- Birmingham – 65.7% proficiency
- State Average: 38.7% proficiency
But this case study isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the systems, support, and vision that made this transformation possible. It provides an inside look at how these districts implemented IQWST across diverse contexts—from Northville's suburban setting to Byron Center's rural-fringe community—proving the curriculum's effectiveness across different student populations.
What’s Inside the Case Study?
✅ State-Level Vision, District-Level Impact
Michigan was among the earliest adopters of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), embedding them into its Michigan Science Standards in 2015. That same year, the state rolled out the M-STEP to better assess three-dimensional learning. IQWST, which had already been designed around NGSS, offered a seamless, standards-aligned fit— becoming the curriculum of choice in over 40 Michigan districts.
✅ Curriculum That Powers Student-Centered Classrooms
IQWST’s phenomenon-based, investigation-centered approach gives students the tools and space to think like scientists—constructing knowledge through inquiry, data analysis, and modeling. In the featured districts, this has translated into deeper engagement, improved collaboration, and stronger critical thinking.
✅ Teacher-Led Implementation, Backed by Continuous Professional Learning
From Rockford’s science department leads championing IQWST, to district administrators supporting time for teacher collaboration, the success story highlights how strong professional learning helped teachers transition from traditional instruction to student-driven learning. Activate Learning’s team, including Cynthia Weller and Tracy Marmolejo, provided crucial ongoing support throughout.
✅ School Snapshots: Real Stories of Consistent Performance
The success story includes performance snapshots and context from middle schools in Northville, Rockford, and Byron Center, offering insight into how schools with different profiles achieved similar success with IQWST.
Most importantly, the impact of IQWST extends beyond test scores. Students in these districts are developing critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for future success in STEM fields and beyond.
Whether you're a district leader seeking to improve science proficiency, a curriculum specialist exploring NGSS implementation, or a teacher looking for proven approaches to engage students in science, this case study offers valuable insights and practical strategies.
As Dr. Sandra Brock (Director of Instructional Programs and Services, Northville Public Schools) shared:
“… we’ve not only seen steady growth in student achievement but also developed a strong, sustainable science program that prepares students to think critically in an ever-evolving world. We’re sticking with IQWST because we see the results!”
Read the full success story now to discover how Michigan's top districts transformed science education with IQWST and how these lessons can help your students achieve similar success! 🚀
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