To help members better understand Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Every Child Reads” proposals to address student literacy – and the essential role educators play at every grade level in that work – MEA gathered answers to some key questions from Michelle Richard, the governor’s senior literacy advisor.

Part of the governor’s team since 2019, Richard has worked on some of Whitmer’s hallmark education issues, including significantly improving investment in K-12 schools, implementing PreK for All, lowering the cost of college, and recruiting more people to become educators. Now she’s working with partners across the state, including MEA, to make Every Child Reads a reality for Michigan kids.

How and why did literacy become a focus for Gov. Whitmer’s final year in office?

Every parent wants their child to thrive in school and life. And it all starts with literacy. Reading, writing, and communication are the building blocks of success. When kids are strong readers, they grow into creative thinkers, confident speakers, and future leaders. That’s exactly what our communities need and our kids deserve. Gov. Whitmer talked about the importance of literacy in her first State of the State address in 2019 and in her final one this February. We’ve made important progress for kids during the governor’s term, and there’s still more to do to ensure all kids have a bright future and every child reads.

Specifically, what is the governor proposing and how do you feel it will make a positive impact on student reading proficiency?

The governor set a clear goal for Michigan: Every Child Reads. It’s a three-part plan to ensure every Michigander is a strong reader, writer, and communicator:

• Early starts. Build a strong foundation for success by supporting families as a child’s first teacher and expanding access to early learning, like PreK. Early experiences shape lifelong learning and set kids up for success from the start.
• Proven methods. Use the science of reading consistently in all Michigan classrooms. This starts by making sure educators have effective professional learning (like LETRS) and evidence-based curriculum and assessments. We know when great educators have the right training and tools, they can help more students become confident, capable readers.
• Extra help. Identify struggling readers earlier and connect them with the extra support they need in their classroom, communities, and homes. Reading is an ordinary superpower we all deserve to have, and getting all kids what they need to succeed is essential.

This plan directs more resources than ever before to help students read, so you can do the job you know how to do with more support. We want more students to arrive at your door ready to go. We want you to have the curriculum and teaching tools you need. And, we want kids that are behind to get extra help inside your classroom and in their community so they can catch up. These are common sense, proven strategies, and our kids and educators deserve nothing less.

How have conversations with educators influenced the governor’s proposals?

Every Child Reads was designed with feedback from educators here in Michigan and across the country.  Gov. Whitmer invited educators, parents, and community members to share their experiences, and nearly 2,000 people did. Together with State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko, she hosted the first ever Michigan Literacy Summit to learn from practitioners, and we also spoke with dozens of educators about what works and how we can improve. One consistent theme was we need to follow the evidence, and stick with what works. That’s exactly what Every Child Reads does.

Student literacy is a national problem in education. How do we make the biggest impact on it at the state level? Are there specific opportunities or challenges Michigan needs to navigate?

We know more than ever about how kids learn to read. These strategies are well-established, but the challenge is staying the course. In Michigan, we tend to get impatient, and we try a new strategy every few years in hopes of faster outcomes. As a parent, I get it. I’m impatient when it comes to my kids too. But getting the biggest gains comes from implementing effective, research-based practices and sticking with them.

The good news? This work is already well underway. In 2024, the Governor signed science of reading legislation requiring schools to use proven methods, including phonics, to teach reading and to use screenings to identify kids that need extra help soon. Earlier this year, Governor Whitmer also signed bipartisan legislation to reduce phone distractions in the classroom and help students focus.

Many educators feel frustrated that they get blamed for low reading scores despite their best efforts. What would you say to them?

Literacy is a nationwide challenge, and the demands on our kids have never been higher. They need strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills to thrive. There’s no single cause behind outcomes today, but all of us have the power to move things in the right direction. When we align behind a common goal like Every Child Reads, we can help every student grow into a confident, capable learner.

We also know that when educators are supported, kids thrive. That’s why this plan focuses on connecting you with the knowledge, support, and tools you need to be a great reading teacher. We’ve already started training teachers in LETRS, helping districts adopt proven curriculums, and hiring coaches to partner with you to grow as a professional.

Finally, we know when kids are on track, it’s easier to stay on track. When kids stumble, it’s harder to catch up. We’re investing in PreK for All to give all kids a strong start, and we’re investing in extra help like tutoring and after school programs. That’s good for kids and educators. This is a big goal, but you’re not tackling it alone.

Significant factors outside the control of educators and schools influence student learning and reading proficiency, including poverty, hunger, mental health and so on. How can we address these factors as we strive to improve student literacy?

Every person deserves a path to make it in Michigan, and literacy is the foundation. Since Gov. Whitmer took office, she’s fought for more funding for children, families, and public schools. Today, all 1.4 million public school students can eat breakfast and lunch at school at no cost to their family. We’re investing more than ever in school safety and mental health. And the state is directing more funding to students and schools with the greatest needs. When Michigan supports children, families, and public schools, we can achieve big goals like Every Child Reads.

What is the most important thing educators — both teachers and support staff — can do to make a difference for student reading skills?

Keep showing up for kids. Literacy is lifelong, and it’s not confined to ELA classrooms. Being a strong reader, writer, and communicator is a goal in 3^rd grade, 7^th grade, 12^th grade, and beyond. Yes, we focus on the fundamentals of being a strong reader in the early grades, but there is no point in a person’s education where they stop learning to be a more effective reader, writer, or communicator. If we’re going to make real progress for kids, it’s going to be because more than 100,000 educators found big and small ways to support literacy.

Similarly, what is the most important thing policymakers need to do in this area?

Follow the evidence. The science of reading reflects over 50 years of research about how children learn to read—including the importance of teaching phonics. We need to invest in what works and implement intentionally in collaboration with educators.

What role do parents play in this work? 

A critical one! Kids thrive when families, educators, and communities work together on shared goals. That starts with clear information about what a student should know and be able to do, and how they’re doing today. I’m grateful to educators for implementing the new screening requirements from the Reading for All Law addressing dyslexia, which will provide much better information how students are doing and identify challenges earlier.

The investments Gov. Whitmer is suggesting would happen in the new fiscal year starting in October. What can educators start doing today to start making progress on student reading?

You can participate in professional development about the science of reading starting right now. Many educators are eligible to enroll in LETRS immediately at no cost to them or their district. Over 6,300 teachers and administrators have already completed the training, and there’s space for you. Learn more at lexialearning.com/michigan-letrs.

Is there the political will to stick to this after Gov. Whitmer has left office? How do we reinforce that in the months and years ahead?

When Michiganders are strong readers, writers, and communicators, they can get the education and skills they need to land a good paying job and build a good life right here in Michigan. That’s a vision leaders on both sides of the aisle can support, and that’s been proven to work in other states.

Some call these states’ progress “miracles.” Simply put, these aren’t miracles, they’re marathons — the result of years of hard work and commitment to the plan. We know we must sustain this work long-term, and we’re proud to work with state department leaders (like Dr. Maleyko), legislators, administrators, and educators like you to make that happen.

Learn more about how MEA members are Leading on Literacy in the February-March issue of the MEA Voice magazine.