Early Literacy

Research shows that early literacy is hugely important for future student success. If students cannot read on grade-level by the end of third grade, they are more likely to drop out of school, have behavioral problems and have less academic success than their peers.

During the 2015-16 school year, only 46 percent of Michigan third-graders were at or above grade level in reading and writing, a sad fact that shows just how far our state has fallen in preparing our students to succeed.

It is vitally important to future learning and success that all students be able to read. We need more investments and strategies to help boost literacy rates, among all grade levels but particularly for early grades.