Press Release

ROYAL OAK, MICH. (February 11, 2015) – This morning, Governor Snyder announced a proposal to improve early literacy in Michigan through investments in early identification of struggling readers and better interventions to help young students improve. The proposal was announced in the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2016 budget presentation.

The following statement may be attributed to Amber Arellano, executive director of The Education Trust-Midwest:

“Making sure that all Michigan students are reading by third grade is one the best investments we can make in our students, our schools, and our future. The Governor’s recommended statewide investment of $25 million has the potential to help students across Michigan.

Students who cannot read on grade-level by the end of third grade are more likely to drop out of school and have less academic success than their peers. Over the past ten years, Michigan has fallen far behind and fewer of our 4th graders are proficient in reading today than they were in 2003.

Statewide educational improvement is possible – and within our grasp. Today, we applaud Governor Snyder for his leadership and vision in investing in early literacy and in Michigan’s future.”

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The Education Trust-Midwest is a statewide, nonpartisan, education research, information and advocacy organization focused on what is best for Michigan students, particularly low-income, African American, Latino and American Indian students. We provide data-driven information and expertise to our state’s families, educators and policy and civic leaders about how to make Michigan a top education state and close our achievement gaps.