House Committee Considers Bills to Accelerate Reading for All
This week, the Michigan House Education Committee began discussions on several bills aimed at strengthening the implementation of Michigan’s 2024 Reading for All law and expanding supports for early literacy instruction across the state. EdTrust-Midwest attended the hearing and submitted cards of support for HB 5819, HB 5820, and HB 5821, which together seek to build on Michigan’s recent investments in evidence-based reading instruction to ensure students receive the literacy support they need early in their educational journeys. The urgency of these bills is clear, with only 39% of Michigan’s third graders reading proficiently.
HB 5819, introduced by Rep. Kathy Schmaltz, and HB 5820, introduced by Rep. Jaime Greene, would move up the implementation dates for two key components in the Reading for All law. Beginning in July 2026, HB 5819 would require districts to use curriculum aligned with research-backed science of reading methods while HB 5820 would require teacher preparation programs to include instruction in evidence-based, science of reading-aligned practices.
HB 5821, introduced by Rep. Rylee Linting, would require districts to adopt elementary reading curriculum materials from a Michigan Department of Education-approved list. A study by Michigan State University’s Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) found Michigan school districts were using over 400 curriculums, many of them unrated or poorly rated for alignment to standards. Districts can currently access grants to purchase from a list of 15 evidence-based curricula. This bill would take the next step to ensure greater alignment between classroom materials and evidence-based literacy practices, while also providing districts with clearer guidance on high-quality instructional materials. The bill connects directly to the Reading for All law’s broader effort to improve literacy outcomes through stronger instructional coherence and implementation supports statewide.
Together, these bills reinforce the goals of Michigan’s Reading for All law by continuing the state’s shift toward research-based reading instruction, early identification of reading challenges, stronger intervention systems, and increased educator support. At EdTrust-Midwest, we will continue advocating for policies that strengthen literacy instruction, expand access to high-quality reading supports, and help ensure students with the greatest needs receive evidence-based interventions early.
As these proposals move forward, continued attention will be needed to timelines, implementation capacity, educator workforce shortages, assessment and training demands, and ensuring schools have the resources necessary to implement these changes effectively in support of students.
