How Michigan Can Solve the Literacy Crisis

A student’s ability to read is fundamental for their future academic success; however, too many Michigan students are not provided with the supports to build the strong reading skills necessary to unlock their full potential. The latest M-STEP scores reveal that only 38% of Michigan third graders can read at grade level. The numbers are more troubling for students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities. of Michigan third graders can read at grade level. The numbers are more troubling for students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities.

To combat this growing crisis, EdTrust-Midwest is calling for systemic changes in how reading is taught in the classroom by urging the state to require teachers to be trained in the “science of reading.” The science of reading is an interdisciplinary approach to teaching based on cognitive psychology, linguistics, and neuroscience that focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. This new approach to learning how to read replaces outdated and unproven methods with evidence-based practices that have been shown to improve student outcomes.

In June, EdTrust-Midwest joined the Michigan Department of Education and Governor Whitmer to champion bi-partisan legislation that requires all elementary teachers to complete the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training. This training is based on the science of reading and is designed to equip teachers with the tools to strengthen students’ reading skills and outcomes. The new law, which was passed in June, requires teachers to complete the LETRS training by 2031 as a condition of maintaining their teacher certification.

Some districts, however, are moving more quickly to address the reading crisis within their schools. Earlier this month, The Governor announced that 17 local districts have set a goal of having all their teachers complete LETRS, a goal the Michigan Department of Education hopes to reach statewide by 2031.

Districts navigating the shift to structured literacy don’t have to do it alone—Michigan is stepping in with dedicated, hands-on support. The Michigan Leaders District Success Partnership is a two-year partnership that provides local districts with comprehensive support to align LETRS training with their existing professional development while also providing ongoing coaching and support with implementation once the training has been completed.

The following districts have applied and been approved to join the Partnership:

• Battle Creek Public Schools (Calhoun ISD)
• Berkley Schools (Oakland Schools)
• Buchanan Community Schools (Berrien RESA)
• Clarenceville School District (Oakland Schools)
• Comstock Public Schools (Kalamazoo ISD)
• Crestwood School District (Wayne RESA)
• Dearborn Public Schools (Wayne RESA)
• Fawell Area Schools (Clare-Gladwin RESD)
• Grand Rapids Public Schools (Kent ISD)
• Hazel Park Schools (Oakland Schools)
• Kearsley Community Schools (Genesee ISD)
• Madison District Public Schools (Oakland Schools)
• Pleasant Public Schools (Gratiot-Isabella RESD)
• Reed City Area Public Schools (Mecosta-Osceola ISD)
• American Montessori Academy (Wayne RESA)
• Crossroads Charter Academy (Mecosta-Osceola ISD)
• South Canton Scholars Charter Academy (Wayne RESA)

By participating in this partnership, these districts are demonstrating their commitment to ensuring their teachers are receiving the resources and support they need to provide our state’s students with literacy skills they deserve. Their sense of urgency should be lauded and serve as an example for other districts to begin training their teachers well before the 2031 deadline. Our students should not have to wait another five years to receive the education that they need to thrive.